MIRI: Sarawak’s Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, emphasised yesterday that the Sukma serves as an excellent platform for athletes to develop their skills, make their states proud, and ultimately represent Malaysia on the international stage.
Speaking at a press conference during his visit to the Miri SUKMA media room at the Indoor Stadium, Awang Tengah highlighted the importance of such competitions in nurturing talent.
“SUKMA can be a great platform for athletes to excel, not only making their respective states proud but also enhancing and nurturing their skills. This can expand their talent beyond their respective states or even Malaysia, reaching the international level,” he stated.
Earlier in the day, Awang Tengah spent time observing a Pencak Silat competition involving Sarawakian athletes.
Tengah was accompanied by his wife Dato Dayang Morliah Awang Daud.
He expressed his satisfaction with the quality of the event and the facilities in Miri.
“Today (yesterday), I was in Miri watching a Pencak Silat competition. The competition was fantastic, and the spectators were incredible supporters. The equipment in this arena, and other game venues, is impressive. It seems Miri is quite ready to organize larger tournaments, and I believe this is the best place for it,” he said.
Awang Tengah also voiced his hope for Sarawak to achieve overall victory in the SUKMA 2024 Games.
He revealed that the federal government has approached Sarawak to co-host the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and expressed confidence in Miri’s ability to host some of the events.
“We expect this to be a venue for discovering talent. Not only will these athletes be champions in the states they represent, but we will also work to ensure they become champions for Malaysia, capable of competing at an international level. Our ultimate goal is the Olympics. We aim to foster and train these talents so they can make our country proud in the international sports arena,” Tengah said.
Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Development, Datuk Rosey Yunus, and Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, were also present during the visit.
