SIBU: Members of the Rumpun Silat Sarawak (RSS) expressed their gratitude to the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his full support.
According to its deputy president Datuk Mohamad Yusnar Matalie when giving the closing remarks during Kursus Naik Taraf Wasit/Juri Peraturan Baharu Peringkat Negeri Sarawak on Thursday night, Abang Johari who is the patron for Rumpun Silat Sarawak (RSS), has shown strong support for the organisation.
“During our courtesy visit last time to Premier, we presented several programmes to be organised by us; he was impressed and fully supported the programmes,” Mohd Yusnar said.
However, he emphasised that for RSS to obtain such acknowledgment and attention from the state government is not that easy.
“RSS is not a new organisation. We have been established, dedicated, and trustworthy for the last 35 years in our commitment uphold ‘Silat’ in the state of Sarawak.
“That is why the Sarawak under the leadership of Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has full confidence in us.
“Hence, in 2021 we have received recognition from the state government as the only body that takes care of Silat throughout the state,” he said.
Mohamad Yusnar revealed that as of today about 168 silat schools (perguruan silat) are registered under RSS, an association that which was established in 1997.
“It is not easy to take care of that many schools (perguruan silat), especially in Sarawak. It certainly demands an extraordinary effort given the vast geography and terrains of Sarawak.
“We managed to maintain this trust because we are united to protect our heritage, which is silat, that is why we managed to get attention from the Sarawak state government,” he said.
He also noted that the strong leadership and determination of their president, Muhammad Haneef Ali, and others to preserve Silat until now, was another fundamental factor for its existence.
“If it were not for his determination to develop silat, I am sure you and I probably would not be here.
“Because of his and the dedication silat teachers since time of its establishment, you and I can learn silat today,” he emphasised.
Mohamad Yusnar shared that the leaders have to travel all around Sarawak to promote RSS until it can be recognised as it is today.
He also recorded his thanks to Persatuan Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia (PESAKA) for their trust in RSS to organise Kursus Naik Taraf Wasit/Juri Peraturan Baharu Peringkat Negeri Sarawak.
A total of 45 participants throughout Sarawak joined the four-day course starting from June 27 to June 30.
The programme was organised to expose participants to the new rules of the silat competition at the international level.
Apart from that the pre-launch gimmick of RSS Beach Games 2022 Mukah, slated for August 5 to 7, was also held last night.
