S’wak sports minister draws flak for ‘talking down’ to diving star Pandelela

KUCHING – National diver Pandelela Rinong has clearly earned her plaudits and recognition for putting Malaysia on the world map for diving.

Hence, the remark made by Sarawak Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah that “it was not always good to reward an athlete each time he or she won something”, defies logic, said DAP’s Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.

The state minister’s remarks have so far drawn flak from politicians and the rakyat alike.

“We have seen Datuk Nicol David being awarded such a deserved title and it did not affect her performance on the world stage.

“Instead, it served as an inspiration to many others,” Yii told The Vibes.

“Even if you do not intend to reward star athletes like Pandelela, do not talk down on our athletes. 

“She is mature enough to know what is important and what her focus should be.

“This is clear and proven, that even with all the success and attention that she has been getting, she has remained humble and consistent in her success.

“So, please, don’t talk down to our athletes. 

“There are many others who are receiving all kinds of rewards, including datukships and other titles, even though their contribution to our country is questionable,” added Yii.

Appalled and shocked

Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak president Lina Soo said she was appalled by the state minister’s statement that “too much reward may spoil our athletes”.

“Through Pandelela’s hard work Malaysia received its first-ever gold medal at the Diving World Cup at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. 

“I am stunned and shocked at this heartless remark by the (state) youth and sports minister.  

“It seems Datuk Abdul Karim (Rahman Hamzah) has his own way of rewarding our athletes and champions and that is to brush away all accolades and requests from members of the public to recognise Pandelela’s achievement,” said Soo.

“It takes years and years of dedication and tonnes of sacrifice for a sportsman to reach the top in the international arena and be a champion. 

“Hard work, pain, and even tears are part of an athlete’s lonely journey to the top. 

“While her peers and other youths are enjoying themselves at the prime of their lives, Pandelela has to spend years of her life with endless diving at the pool. 

“In fact, she does not have to do this (sacrifice for the nation).”

Soo said that the diving star’s achievement can only be materialised with the determination to perfect herself and to do her country proud at the local and international levels.

“These young people have what it takes, blood, sweat, and tears, unlike Malaysian politicians who can be ‘created overnight’ and be rewarded with fat salaries, GLC (posts) and ministerial positions,” she added.   

Soo said the state youth and sports minister should disclose the monetary reward to be given to Pandelela as it is taxpayers’ money, and as such they have the right to know if the compensation will be commensurate with Pandelela’s achievement.  

‘Minister is too dismissive’

DAP’s Michael Kong said that the Sarawak tourism, arts, culture, youth and sports minister should take the opportunity to fight for a reward befitting of Pandelela’s achievement.

“What she achieved was no easy feat, and this is testament to her true sacrifice and determination of overcoming all obstacles and injuries to reach where she is today,” said the special officer to state party chief Chong Chieng Jen.  

He pointed out that the Asajaya rep should not be “too dismissive” towards the idea of rewarding Pandelela as it would seem that the state government did not care much for its athletes. 

Kong added that this may discourage athletes from performing better.

He said many athletes were not after fame or fortune, but did what they did because of their love and passion for the sport and nation.

“So we should be more encouraging in our words and actions toward our local athletes and provide them the additional morale support and booster that they need,” he added.

‘Show proof rewards will spoil athletes’

In an immediate response to the state minister’s statement, Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) issued a statement asking for proof that too many rewards will spoil successful athletes.

The party’s secretary-general Julius Enchana pointed out that at the tender age of 25, squash queen Nicol was conferred the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri award by the Penang government in 2008, which carries the title of Datuk.   

“Nicol became the youngest person ever to receive the award from the state. 

“What is the difference between Pandelela’s success and that of Nicol’s in the past? 

“Doesn’t Pandelela deserve a proper state recognition for her passion in sports and her efforts in making the state well-recognised in sports?” he asked.  

Julius also pointed out that the accolades bestowed upon Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Nicol during the peak of their sporting careers spurred them on to achieve even greater success in badminton and squash respectively. 

“So what is wrong with giving Pandelela a state title as well?,” he asked.

“At 28 years old, Pandelela is not a kid,” said Julius in response to the insinuation.

The row began after the state minister suggested that Pandelela was too young to receive a datukship. 

“I had received phone calls today from people asking me if the state would accord Pandelela with a datukship, similar to several other renowned national athletes. 

“My reply was, she’s only 28 years old, don’t spoil her. It will be very difficult for her to interact normally outside when you go out and friends call you Datuk.    

He also said the monetary contribution from the state will be accorded to her, but that it must not be highlighted too much. 

“We want her to bring us more fame and for her to enjoy the sports that she loves so very much,” he said. – The Vibes, May 8, 2021