KUCHING: The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) has extended its warmest congratulations to powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin and believes his achievement will inspire other athletes to strive for success in their sports career.
SUPP secretary general Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew noted that Bonnie’s achievement has brought much joy and glory to the country, making Malaysians particularly all Sarawakians proud of the state’s very own son on his extraordinary achievements in world class competition.
“On behalf of SUPP, we would like to extend our warmest congratulations to powerlifter Bonnie, a Sarawakian born in Serian for winning Malaysia’s first gold medal in Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020 and setting the new Paralympics record of 228kg, beating the old record of 227kg set by Rasool Mohsin from Iraq in Rio 2016 for men’s 72kg powerlifting competition.
“All of us appreciate and fully understand that Bonnie had put in a lot of time, energy and went through a lot of sacrifice, hard work, commitment and indeed hardship in preparing himself for the competition. Especially during this Covid-19 pandemic, it is not an easy task for athletes to train their body and maintain their mental toughness for the competition.
“Therefore, it is only through Bonnie’s sheer determination, dedication and spirit of Sarawakians to never give up that motivates and drives him to win the gold medal,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 29).
Ting who is also Piasau assemblyman pointed out that it is indeed a glorious year for Bonnie and the country especially Sarawak, recalling on how he had previously won gold medal at World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Bangkok on May 7 and broke the world record by lifting 230kg at the Fazza Dubai Para Powerlifting World Cup in the United Arab Emirates on June 22 this year.
He said SUPP is looking forward to hearing good news from the federal and state government to consider appropriate rewards for Bonnie to acknowledge his dedication and achievement for the country and Sarawak.
“Bonnie has made the country proud when our Jalur Gemilang was raised and the national anthem Negaraku was played on the Paralympic Games podium. This is definitely the highest recognition and best reward for the nation.
“Of course, we should not forget the other athletes who are currently competing in the Tokyo Paralympic Games. Malaysia had sent 22 athletes and five of them are Sarawakians.
“The other four Sarawakian athletes with Bonnie are powerlifter Jong Yee Khie, swimmer Jamery Siga and Muhammad Nur Syaiful Zulkafli as well as archer Wiro Juli. We pray and wish them all the best and not to worry because all Sarawakians are behind them all the way,” he said.
He also said SUPP believes and indeed hopes that Bonnie’s achievement will inspire other athletes to strive for success in their sports career and that the strong spirit of never giving up no matter how hard or challenging.
“Many of us are having a tough and challenging time due to the Covid-19 pandemic, be it as a business owner or employee. However, we should uphold the same spirit of never giving up and continue to endure until the time gets better,” he added.
