States must also develop swimming, diving sports, not leave it to Putrajaya, says Sarawak sports minister

Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

By Shikin Louis

ASAJAYA, June 18: The responsibility to develop swimming and diving sports should not be on the federal government’s shoulders alone, says Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

On the contrary, he said, the responsibility should fall under every state government, be it the Malayan states or Borneo States.

“This matter involves the nation’s pride because without the collective support of the federal and State governments as well as the associations involved, it is impossible for us to produce athletes who can elevate the image of the country up to Olympics level.

“To date, Malaysia has yet to obtain a gold medal in the Olympics. This can only be achieved if everyone works together,” he told reporters after officiating at the Qurban meat distribution ceremony in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration at Kampung Asajaya Ulu here today. A video clip of his statement was made available to DayakDaily.

His statement came following Federal Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh recently stating that Sabah and Sarawak were the two top States who have contributed a lot in the development of swimming and diving sports.

Abdul Karim further said in Sarawak, MYSED will continue to develop athletes by enhancing training facilities.

“We are currently building a velodrome because it is the only facility that we lack.

“We were also willing to host the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) when other states refused to do so due to financial constraints. For us, where there’s a will, there’s a way,” he added. — DayakDaily