BAU: National diving darling Pandelela Rinong Pamg received cash incentives of RM59,000 and a scooter during a dinner organised by the Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) at the Dewan Suarah Bau here on Saturday night.Of the total amount, the Bung Bratak Heritage Association contributed RM25,000, Musyati Sdn Sdn gave RM20,000, former Tasik Biru State Assemblyman Lee Nyan Choi gave RM5,000 and RM9,000 were contributions from guests attending the dinner.
The amount also includes contribution of two million rupiah from a group of 20 Jagoi Babang clan led by the Kepala Desa (ketua kampung) Bapak Kasianus Anyiu who came all the way from West Kalimantan, Indonesia to attend the dinner to celebrate Pandelela’s achievement who won the bronze medal at the London Olympic Games recently.
The scooter worth more than RM6,000 was the present from Demak Marketing Sdn Bhd.
At the function Pandelela was also awarded the “Wirawati Bung Bratak” title from the Bung Bratak Heritage Asssociation.
Earlier on arrival at the Dewan Suarah Bau, Pandelela was given the Bidayuh traditional welcoming ceremony.
At the dinner Pandelela and the rest of the guests were entertained by four Bidayuh popular singers, AF7 finalist Claudia Geres, Bintang RTM runner-up Emil Hamlyn, LG Star finalist Fiona John and Liza Chong.
The guests were also entertained by special appearance of seven former Kumang Gawai pageants and cultural dances performance by three cultural troupes from Bau and Serian.
The golden voices of Pendelela’s father, Pamg @ Paeng Joheng and Bung Bratak Heritage Association Datuk Peter Minos successfully raised RM9,000 from among the guests attending the dinner.
Pandelela who spoke at the function thanked all Malaysians who have given her the morale and financial support.
She said their support will further inspire her to perform better in upcoming tournaments including the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2016 Olympic Games.
She attributed her success at the London 2012 Olympics to the fighting spirit of Bidayuh warriors Panglima Kulow and Panglima Mayo.
The bronze medalist from Kampung Jugan said: the fighting spirit of Bung Bratak warriors like Panglima Kulow and Panglima Mayo inspired her to give her best.
“I will always remember it, and I will work hard to do my best for the country, our state, and especially the Bidayuh community,” she added.
President of the Bung Bratak Heritage Assiociation Datuk Peter Minos said Pandelela is a great inspiration to the Bidayuhs and Malaysians.
“The happiness you gave us is indescribable and wish you will go and get the gold medal in the future,” said Minos.
Bapak Kasianus Anyiu said the Jagoi Babang in Kalimantan Barat also shared the joy and are proud of Pandelela’s achievement at the Olympic Games.
"We are proud of her because she is from the Jagoi community and the first Bidayuh to win medal at the Olympics,” he added.
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