MALAYSIA BOLEH: Captain Tan gestures as he poses on top of the plane after he successfully completed ‘1Malaysia Mission Around The World’ during a welcoming ceremony at the Royal Malaysian Airforce Base in Subang. — Bernama photo
WE DID IT: Najib walking together with Captain Tan after the latter had successfully completed a ‘1Malaysia Mission Around the World’ feat. — Bernama photo
SUBANG: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday challenged Malaysians especially youths to come out of their comfort zone and do things they and the nation could be proud of.
The Prime Minister said the success of the nation depended on competitivenes and the spirit of being willing to try to make extraordinary breakthroughs by Malaysians.
Describing the success of Capt James Anthony Tan in making it into the World Guinness Book of Records after completing a mission to fly solo around the world in 48 days as a major milestone for the counrty, Najib said his success could serve as an inspiration to other Malaysian youths to challenge themseves to achieve great things.
“I am so proud that just at the age of 21, Capt James has done something extraordinary that has brought the nation pride and I am sure he not only did it for himself but for Malaysia.
“That is why I hope more Malaysian youths will challenge themselves to be uncommon people,” he said at a special ceremony held in conjunction with Capt Tan’s return from the ‘1Malaysia Mission Around the World’ at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) airbase in Subang here.
Also present were the advisor to the mission Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamid, Armed Forces chief Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin and RMAF chief Tan Sri Rodzali Daud.
Najib said the success of several individuals on the world stage like squash player Datuk Nicol David, English Channel swimmer Datuk Malik Maidin and mountain climber Muhammad Muqarrabin were other examples which could inspire Malaysians to reach extraordinary heights.
“Malaysia has many individuals who are role models on the pursuit of success and Capt Tan is the latest one,” he said.
The mission by Capt Tan, from Sungai Long, Kajang, earned him a place in the World Guiness Book of Records after he succeeded in becoming the youngest pilot to fly solo around the world in the fastest time. The previous record was held by a 22-year-old youth who completed the journey in 80 days on July 11 last year.
He is also the youngest pilot form Asean to achieve the feat. The expedition took him to 20 countries and he made 30 stopovers among them in China, Japan, Rusia, USA, Canada with the final stop at the RMAF base in Subang here. — Bernama