By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 10: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has assured Sarawak athletes not to worry about incentives, saying the State has the financial strength to reward them if they emerge champions at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor.
“Don’t worry about the incentives. Sarawak’s finances are strong,” he said in his speech at the flag handover ceremony for the Sarawak contingents to SUKMA XXII and Para SUKMA XXII here today.
He was responding to the athletes’ concerns over the rewards they could receive should they deliver a winning performance, while stressing that victory remained the priority.
“But the important thing is we must win!” he said.
Speaking to reporters later, Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the State would announce its medal incentives only after the Games.
“The decision was intended to keep athletes focused on competing for personal glory and the honour of winning for Sarawak, rather than monetary rewards,” he said.
Sarawak has previously rewarded athletes who won gold, silver and bronze medals, with the gold-medal incentive at the last SUKMA standing at RM15,000.
As for this year, Abdul Karim said the amount had yet to be determined and could be higher, lower or remain unchanged.
“We will look into it. It might be lower, it might be higher, or it might be maintained at the status quo,” he said.
The minister also stressed that gold medals remained the most important measure at SUKMA, as they determine the overall champion before silver and bronze medals are taken into consideration.
Sarawak is targeting 75 gold medals at this year’s SUKMA, a haul Abdul Karim said could be enough to secure the overall championship based on the State’s analysis. — DayakDaily
