Najib Honours Pandelela At His Office

PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak honoured 2012 Olympics diving bronze medallist Pandelela Rinong Pamg, at his office here today.

As a token of the government’s appreciation, Najib presented the national champion with RM300,000, comprised of RM100,000 under the National Sports Council (NSC) prize scheme and RM200,000 worth of shares in Amanah Saham Wawasan.

He also presented a full government scholarship from the Tun Abdul Razak Foundation to enable the athlete to pursue a degree of her choice at any local university.

Najib made an assurance that the government was prepared to provide any assistance the young athlete may need to enhance her performance for further international success.

“Are you committed for Rio (2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and what else do you need? Do you have everything,” a smiling Najib asked Pandelela.

He then asked her about her experience during the 10 metre diving event.

“Were you nervous when you started?”, asked Najib.

“Yes but later I was excited,” answered Pandelela.

Also present at the function were Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek; Malaysia Amateur Athletics Union president, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Malaysian Contingent head Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid and NSC director-general, Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong.

Pandelela’s parents, Hartini Lamim and Pamg ak Joheng and coach Yang Zhuliang were present too.

The 19-year-old Bidayuh girl attained 359.20 points in the 10m platform event at the recent 2012 London Olympics, while Chen Ruolin of China defended her record with 422.30 points and Australian, Broben bagged the silver with 366.50 points. – BERNAMA

Pandelela