Malaysian diving queen Pandelela Rinong Pamg was bestowed Sarawak state prestigious award of Johan Bintang Sarawak (JBS) by head of the state Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng at a special ceremony held at the Astana in Kuching yesterday.Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang later announced the state government incentive of RM60,000 and full scholarship to Pandelela to study in Australia, while RM15,000 each to two other Sarawak Olympians Traisy Vivian Tukiet and Bryan Nickson Lomas.
The Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) also gave RM30,000 to Pandelela and RM10,000 each to Bryan and Traisy. Pandelela, a Bidayuh lass from Kampung Jugan, Bau won a bronze medal in the 10m platform diving event at the London Olympic Games.
She is the first Malaysian woman to have won the medal in the Olympic Games and also the first in the diving event.
Traisy is also a Bidayuh from kampung Serumah, Bau and bryan is a Iban.
Pandelela, Traisy and Bryan arrival at the Kuching International Airport at 11.50 am yesterday was greeted by about 2,000 fans. They were later paraded around the Kuching city before proceeding to the Astana to receive her award.
Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik said it was a very special occasion for the community.
He said the state award and the incentives fitted her sacrifice and achievement and believed that more incentives would be given to her by the state and federal government if she continues to perform in the next Olympic Games.
“All of us should be proud of her achievement because she has brought pride not only to the nation but also to the state and more important to the Bidayuh community,” said Pahon.
“For the Bidayuh community, we are very proud of her success because it happened that a Bidayuh woman has became the first Malaysian woman to have ever won medal at the Olympic Games,” added Pahon.
Pahon described Pandelela a role for the youths, adding that her sacrifice and hard work should be emulated.
“She is a role model for our youths because she possesses high spirit and discipline. There is no short cut to success and she have struggled and sacrificed for ten years to achieve her goal,” said Pahon.
Meanwhile chairman of Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) Datuk Peter Minos who is Pandelela’s staunch supporter in his SMS said the Bidayuhs are very happy that the state government has awaded the ‘Johan Bintang Kenyalang’ to Pandelela.
“This is a fitting token of appreciation for what Pandelela has done to Sarawak for the meantime.
“Hopefully when Pandelela brings in more achievements in the coming years she will be appropriately awarded.
“It is very good that Sarawak honours its heroine just like what the federal government had done,” said Minos.
He said any Malaysian should be inspired and motivated when his or her contribution is noted and appreciated.
“Any management guru can tell us that everyone has that special need of appreciation.
“Maslow calls it a human being ’egoistic needs’, that top of needs. Maybe we pray that Pandelela brings in more honours to Malaysia and Sarawak.
”I am very confident she will, knowing her grit, self discipline and determination,” added Minos.
Minos said the Bidayuhs are very happy and proud of Pandelela as she has put the community at the pedestal.
”She makes the Bidayuhs more known and noted and hopefully more regarded. To us she is our true heroine, of the top order,” he said.
Pandelela has been rewarded with RM150,000 under the incentive scheme of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and a monthly pension of RM2,000.
She also received RM300,000 from the Government of Malaysia, a full scholarship to study in university.
The Star Publication has also promised RM100,000 incentive for her.
At the London Olympic Games Pandelela Rinong participated in two events and won the bronze medal in the 10m plafform.
She partnered Leong Mun Yee in the 10m platform synchronised but only managed the 7th position.
Among Pandelela’s achievements at the international level competitions are:
2012: Bronze medal in the 10m platform at the London Olympic Games
2012: Bronze medal in the 10m platform at the FINA World Series
2011: Silver medal at the World Series 10m plafform
2011: Silver medal in the 10m platform synchronised
2010: Silver medal in 10m platform at the Asian Sports
2010: Silver medal in 10m platform synchronised
2010 : Gold medal 10m platform at the Commonwealth Games
2010 : Silver medal in 10m plat form synchronised at the Commonwealth games
2009 : Bronze medal in the 10m platform at the World Tournament
2009 : Gold medal in the 10m platform at the SEA Games
2009 : Gold medal in 10m platform synchronised
2007 : Gold medal 10m platform synchronised at the SEA games.
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