KOTA BARU/GEORGE TOWN: Locals here have expressed confidence that Malaysia’s athletes will clinch 111 gold medals in the 2017 Sea Games, as targeted by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
They pray that history will repeat itself, as when Malaysia achieved the same record-breaking medal haul in 2001 – which was also the last time the country hosted the sporting event.
"I believe our athletes, such as Paralympian Abdul Latif Romly and gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, and a few others will get a gold medal," said 19-year-old student Mohd Safuan Mohd Fuad.
Sundry shop owner Mat Latip Ismail said many Malaysian athletes are capable of winning the gold medal.
"They are really talented athletes and many Malaysians are hoping they will repeat history," said the 45-year-old, who operates his business at Jalan Kebun Sultan.
The people of Penang are equally optimistic over the country’s chances of matching its 2001 Sea Games medal hall at this year’s event.
Civil servant Azwan Ramli, 37, said Malaysia's athletes have grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years.
"Our athletes have come a long way and can hold their own against other nations' teams.
"I am sure that we can take the others and come up with the targeted amount of golds," he said when met at Komtar here today.
Sales representative, NurShuhada Yaacop, 43, said the Youth and Sports Ministry's confidence in the nation’s athletes is vital to boost their and the people’s spirit.
"It is not an over-reaching figure. It is achievable and the ministry's confidence will boost the teams' fighting spirit," she said.
Khairy has set a 111 gold medal target for the Malaysian contingent at the Sea Games, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur from Aug 19 to 30. The ministry also set a target of 103 gold medals at the Asean Para Games.
He said the target was set after taking into consideration all factors and performances of athletes in recent times, and should be enough to see Malaysia emerge as the overall Sea Games champion for only the second time.
