CONGRATULATIONS are in order for Leong Mun Yee, who received her datukship in conjunction with this year’s Federal Territories Day. There is no doubt the former national diver has done her part for the country bringing home medals from events such as the World Championships, SEA Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games and is well deserving of the Panglima Mahkota Wilayah medal.

I got to know the former Olympian personally during my time as a broadcast journalist previously. I can see her commitment and dedication to diving. I could see it in her eyes that she only had one aim and it was to bring pride and honour to the country. That very same goal is shared across all our local athletes regardless of sporting disciplines.

It is not easy being an athlete as they have to commit to rigorous training schedules. The journey to the final of any sporting event requires plenty of preparation, training and sweat. We must credit the dedication, hard work and merit of every athlete. At times pride and honour is all one athlete takes home at the end of the day.

Hence, I would like to remind Malaysians to always cheer and support our local athletes regardless if they bring home medals or not. It would be naïve to say that our athletes are not on the receiving end of negative comments and jeers when they do not do well at sporting meets. One only has to look at social media.

Please do not create a negative atmosphere if things don’t work out. A win or defeat in sports is a show of skill and talent and it must be given due honour and respect. Our athletes stand for pride, unity and above all patriotism.

It is my hope that Leong’s achievement will spur more local athletes to do their best for Malaysia. My congratulations to the other athletes who also received their respective awards in conjunction with this year’s Federal Territories Day – Paralympic champions Abdul Latif Romly, Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi and shuttlers Aaron Chia Teng Fong and Soh Wooi Yik. They truly are a representation of Malaysia’s finest. – February 10, 2022.

* Yeap Ming Liong reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.