KUCHING: Bonnie’s accomplishment demonstrates that with dedication, determination, and hard work, any ‘anak Sarawak’ (Sarawakian) can compete and thrive on a global scale, said The Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA).
Following that, BDNA congratulated the National Paralympic Weightlifting Athlete, Bonnie Bunyau Gustin, 22, from Kampung Baru Mawang after having won the first gold medal for the country at the Tokyo Paralympic Games in Japan on Saturday (Aug 28).
“On behalf of the Bidayuh community, we would like to express our pride and joy over his success in bringing honours to Malaysia at the international level.
“We hope that Bonnie will be a source of inspiration to everyone to work hard and strive to achieve glory in their respective fields, particularly the Sarawakians and Malaysian in general,” it said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 29).
On another note, the Association thanked Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who has announced that the Sarawak government would provide incentives to Bonnie for his achievement.
Meanwhile, DBNA also welcomed the announcement made by Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM) president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin that Bonnie will receive a RM1 million remuneration under the ‘Skim Hadiah Kemenangan Sukan’ (Shakam) for winning a Paralympic gold medal, as well as the ‘Skim Imbuhan Tetap Olimpik’ (SITO) and be given RM5,000 monthly pension.
“Hopefully, these announcements will encourage and inspire other athletes as well,” it said.
DBNA reiterated that Bonnie is the pride of the Bidayuh community, Sarawak, and Malaysia as a whole.
“To Bonnie, continue giving it your best and we wish you continued success in the forthcoming tournaments. Congratulations!”
