(Petaling Jaya, Saturday): M. Magendran and N. Mohanadas have done Malaysia proud by being the first two Malaysians to plant the Malaysian flag on Mount Everest, notching a world-class achievement for the country.
The nation should honour Magendaran and Mohanadas, not only by giving them a heroes’ welcome on their return home, but also giving them full recognition in the honours’ list on the occasion of the Yang di Pertuan Agong’s birthday on June 7 as an example of the excellence and commitment expected of all other sportsmen and sportswomen in the country.
The country should also consider some form of suitable material rewards for Magendaran and Mohanadas, as both of them had risked their lives for national honour. If badminton players are given material rewards for winning the Thomas Cup, it would be unfair if Magendaran and Mohanadas are left out of such national appreciation for scaling Mount Everest.
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Tan Sri Muhyidin Yassin should announce how the country is going to suitably reward Magendaran and Mohanadas by the time both of them return to Malaysia in the first week fo June.
(24/5/97)