KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin tabled a motion in Parliament today to recognise and congratulate local athletes in view of recent achievements by Malaysian Olympians and Paralympians.
He said the reason for the motion is to celebrate the spirit of unity that was created by the successes of the national contingent at the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics.
The Rembau MP added that it is also to demonstrate the ministry's support for the government's decision to provide incentives to athletes who had won medals at the games.
"We also support all efforts to maintain the success of Malaysian athletes, especially since we are heading towards the Sea Games and Para Asean Games in Kuala Lumpur next year," he told the House today.
At the recently-concluded Rio Olympics, Malaysia won four silver medals and one bronze medal – the best performance by the country so far.
The Paralympic team, meanwhile, exceeded all expectations and created history by winning three gold medals and one bronze medal.