Former athletes not ‘old trophies’

KUCHING (Oct 9): Contributions by state athletes who have retired from their game should not be dismissed for they have given their best during the peak of their career.

Suzana accepts contribution from Wee as Asfan (second left) looks on.

In stating this, Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) president Datuk Wee Hong Seng said though no longer active, those veteran sportsmen had sacrificed a lot in making the state proud not just at national but also on the global arena.

“They should not be treated like ‘old trophies’. These veterans strove to make Malaysia proud at the time when infrastructure and facilities enjoyed by the young athletes of today, weren’t available at all,” he said after visiting state’s bodybuilding legend, Bujang Taha, at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) here yesterday.

The 77-year-old muscleman was admitted last Monday due to acute asthma attack.

According to his son, Yusuf, doctors were awaiting results from the laboratory and for now, they were closely monitoring his father’s condition.

“The doctors suspected there are infections in his mouth and lungs. For now, my father can breathe easier after the doctors pumped water out of his lungs last night (Tuesday),” Yusuf said.

Bujang, who remains among the pioneers of state bodybuilding alongside Soloman Esmanto, Liaw Teck Leong, Suhardi Mukmin and Andrew Grinsam, first competed in the late 60s. He made the country proud by winning Mr Asia championships twice in 1980 and 1981

Earlier, a team from SBBA led by Wee gave contribution of RM1,000 to Bujang’s daughter-in-law Suzana Ibrahim.

Wee said the association would continue to follow up on Bujang and advised his family to keep him updated on his situation.

“Like I said, we strive to help our athletes where we can. I understand that Bujang can only drink this special milk formula as he is still unable to swallow food. We will help the family on this. We pray that Bujang will recover soon,” he said.

Those who wish to visit Bujang or contribute aid can come to SGH on Level 8, or contact Yusuf at 016-8712645 and Suzana (016-8539617).

Among those who came with Wee during the visit were SBBA deputy president Nolan Chee, assistant secretary Asfan Bujang, head coach George Awi and several state bodybuilders. -Source