KUCHING: The divers who secured Malaysia's first medal in the ongoing Rio Olympic Games deserve all the assistance they can get to achieve their dreams.
Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Jemut Masing said the contributions made by Cheong Jun Hoong and Pandelela Rinong in making the country proud also deserve to be recognised with a Datukship title or other awards.
"They should be given all the assistance needed to pursue their dreams, including help for them further studies and training in their respective sporting passion.
"A Datukship title or other forms pingat (award) are recognition, which can be given in their later years.
"As a Sarawakian, I am so proud of Pandelela's success on the world stage.
"This proves that 'Sarawak Boleh' if given the opportunity," said Masing in a statement today.
Jun Hoong and Pandelela clinched the silver medal after scoring 344.34 points in the women’s 10m platform synchronised event today.
China’s Chen Ruolin-Liu Huixia scored a total points 354.55 to deny the Malaysian duo the gold medal.