Cheong Jun Hoong and her partner Pandelela winning the silver medal in the 10m synchronised diving. — Bernama photo
KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, in his congratulatory note for the Malaysian divers, said their impressive achievement in the international games especially that of Pandelela Rinong Pamg should be an inspiration for others to emulate.
“There are lessons to be learnt from their success. I believe a lot of hard work coupled with determination and discipline has been put into training,” he told the media at a special briefing on the performance and future direction of Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) at a hotel here yesterday.
Abang Johari, who is also minister of tourism, arts and culture and minister of housing and urbanisation, pointed out that the achievement had made Sarawak and the whole country proud.
“We are proud that Pandelela, our Sarawakian athlete has contributed a silver medal for Malaysia in the Olympic Games. They are the pride of Malaysia and Sarawak,” he added.
As for the reward for Pandelela’s contribution to diving sports, Abang Johari assured that he would discuss the matter with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to decide on the best way to recognise and honour her victory and efforts.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing said both divers Cheong Jun Hoong and Pandelela should be assisted in pursuing their dreams including further studies and training in their sporting passion.
“We must assist them to reach their goals to be the best they could achieve be it in their studies or in the sport they love,” he said.
As for the awards such as a Datukship or other medals, these could be accorded later in their lives, said Masing.
“I am so proud of Pandelela from Sarawak for her success in the sporting events at the world stage. This goes to show that ‘Sarawak Boleh’ if given the opportunity,” added the minister of infrastructure development and transportation.
Meanwhile, president of Sarawak Dayak Graduates’ Association (SDGA) Dr Dusit Jaul hoped the government would accord them the appropriate recognition commensurate with their Olympian status, bearing in mind that their achievement was indeed outstanding and rare for Malaysians.
Both Pandelela and Cheong made history by bagging the country’s first medal in the Rio Games early yesterday morning.
Pandelela-Cheong scored a total of 344.34 points after five dives at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre.
Lying in third place after the third dive, the Malaysian pair upped the ante to finish strongly behind China’s Chen Roulin-Liu Huixia who won the gold medal with 354.00 points. Canada’s Meaghan Benfeito-Roseline Filion settled for bronze with 336.18.