Fatimah: S’wakian Para Sukma medallists also eligible for rewards promised by state

KUCHING (Sept 11): Sarawakian para-athletes who gain medals at the upcoming Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) will receive the same rewards as those set aside for medallists in the recent 21st (XXI) Sukma.

In confirming this, Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, also chairperson for the Para Sukma XXI Sarawak Main Committee, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had previously announced the incentive of RM15,000 to be awarded to any Sukma gold medallist from Sarawak, together with rewards for silver and bronze medallists.

“The same incentives will be awarded to Para Sukma athletes. We are deeply grateful to the Premier for ensuring that these (para) athletes would receive equal recognition,” she said in a statement, released by the Information Department (Penerangan) in connection with the state minister’s courtesy call on Yang Di-Pertua Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at the Astana Negeri here yesterday.

On Aug 16, Abang Johari, during a press conference held after the medal presentation ceremony for Sukma XXI taekwondo event at Stadium Perpaduan here, had announced a cash reward of RM15,000 for each gold medal won by Sarawak athletes in this year’s Games, in addition to RM5,000 for the silver medallist, and RM3,000 for the bronze medallist.

Meanwhile, Fatimah handed over to Wan Junaidi and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, the official invitation letter to the opening ceremony of Para Sukma XXI Sarawak, to take place at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya here, this Sept 22.

Running until Sept 28, this edition of the Games is offering 328 medals across 10 sports events, to be staged at 10 selected venues around the city.

Accompanying Fatimah yesterday were her deputy ministers Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, the ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Felicia Tan, and Welfare Department Sarawak director Semawi Mohamad.

Sarawak Protocol, Ceremonial and Events Management Unit deputy director Awang Ikman Awang Sepian was also present.