Premier: Paralympics champ Bonnie to get RM500,000 windfall

KUCHING (Sept 23): The Sarawak government will reward Paralympics champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin half a million ringgit for successfully defending his gold medal and breaking the world record in Paris, said the Premier.

Announcing this at the opening ceremony of the Para Malaysia Games (Para Sukma) here yesterday, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Bonnie’s feat had brought glory to the state and nation on the world stage.

“Bonnie has brought many honours not only to Sarawak but Malaysia as well. Because of that, Sarawak will reward him with RM500,000.

“I hope his achievements will spur the young Para Sukma athletes to train harder towards achieving success in the future,” he said.

Abang Johari said Sarawak will continue supporting the training of Para Sukma athletes.

“Just like other athletes, I believe Para Sukma athletes can achieve great success and personal development, and Bonnie is a prime example.

“We have sent our Para Sukma athletes abroad for training, and the Sarawak government will continue to provide training opportunities for those with potential,” he said.

He also reiterated Sarawak’s commitment to co-hosting the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2027.

Among those attending the opening ceremony at Stadium Perpaduan were Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof; Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; and Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

Yeoh in her speech said Para Sukma has consistently unearthed athletes who went on to bring honour to the country.

“For the record, 19 of Malaysia’s para athletes who competed in the recent Paralympics in Paris were discovered in the previous editions of Para Sukma,” she said.

Hosted by Sarawak, the 2024 Para Sukma began on Saturday and will run until Sept 28.

The para athletics events will take place at Stadium Sarawak, while para swimming will be held at the Pandelela Rinong Aquatics Centre.

Para powerlifting events will take place at the Youth and Sports Department Multipurpose Hall; para tenpin bowling at Megalanes Sarawak; archery at the Petra Jaya Archery Range; badminton at the Sarawak Badminton Association Hall; chess at Raia Hotel; lawn bowling at the Petra Jaya Multipurpose Arena; and table tennis at SJK Chung Hua No. 3.

A total of 328 medals are at stake across 10 sports.