KUCHING: Pandelela Rinong’s achievements in earning glory for herself and the country in the sport of diving at the international level must be recognised and acknowledged.
In saying this, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing pointed out that it is about time that Putrajaya do that.
“Pandelela needs to be recognised not only by Sarawak, but also the Malaysian government. The federal and state Ministry of Sports must acknowledge and recognise the sporting capabilities of our diving queen,” his statement read yesterday (July 26).
“Besides Pandelela, many Sarawakians can go really, really high when given the chances and opportunities. I am proud of our rural people. They too, can succeed in many endeavours.”
Masing suggested that one of the ways to recognise the young woman’s international achievements is by creating a Pandalela Rinong scholarship.
This, he said, can assist some youth who aspire to succeed as divers and swimmers.
“The Sarawak government has named our aquatic centre after her in Kuching. So, what is wrong with having a Pandelela Rinong Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil?
“She deserves it so that our future generation will remember what a rural youth can do, if given the chance,” he said.
He added that it will become a positive reaffirmation for the youth. They will say, ‘If Pandelela can do it, why can’t we?’
