PM'S MESSAGE TO MALAYSIAN ATHLETES AT SEA GAMES

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak
today congratulated Malaysian athletes who won medals at the ongoing SEA Games
in Vientiane.

He said the football team was in, with a chance of winning the gold after 20
years since the last gold was won in 1989.

The women's badminton team ended a 34-year wait for a gold medal in the team
event.

"Many of you helped raise the Malaysian flag at the games and are
responsible for the national anthem to be played at the National Sports Complex
in Vientiane. The nation is proud of you.

"The achievements of our national athletes, for some in the face of
adversity and for others such as Siow Yi Ting (swimmer) who was not feeling
well, have done us proud by winning the gold," noted the prime minister.

He said, swimmers, divers, hurdlers, badminton players, footballers and
countless other participants demonstrated the spirit of 1Malaysia with their
teamwork, dedication, hard work and personal sacrifices.

"I commend each and every one of you on your achievements. Malaysians
everywhere will undoubtedly, be cheering all of you.

"And come the football final between Malaysia and Vietnam, the whole nation
will be rooting for the Malaysian team to win. I wish the team all the best,"
added Najib.

-- BERNAMA