M’sian Champion Tower Runner Feels Unrecognised by Govt After RM4 Mil Fund Announced

Just last week (7th February), solo runner Honorary Major Dr Suwaibah Muhammad Nasir announced that she was looking to collect RM4 million to fund her “humanitarian journey to conquer 30 of the world’s tallest towers”.

Dr Suwaibah explained that this large sum is meant to cover her expenses when she embarks on this mission that requires her to travel to 14 different countries. Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu has also shown support for the tower runner at a recent event. So far, she has also received a sponsorship to cover her travel and accommodation while on tour.

Source: berita harian

However, the announcement prompted some backlash from netizens, who questioned the large fees and called for the funds to be allocated for the country’s development instead.

Others pointed out that local athlete and the top tower climber in Asia, 25-year-old Soh Wai Ching, should have been sponsored for a mission like this instead.

Now, Asia’s top tower runner has since spoken out about this fund, questioning the Defence Minister’s support for Dr Suwaibah, adding that he was more qualified than her. He was quoted by Free Malaysia Today as saying,

“Why support her? Is it because she had been in the army? Why not support athletes who represent the country like me?”

Source: facebook

Soh also called the RM4 million fund a nonsensical amount, stating that he only needed RM80,000 to participate in tower running competitions this year. He added that despite his outstanding performance, he has yet to be recognised as a national athlete, as was promised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Soh added,

“I met a special officer to the deputy youth and sports minister on Dec 27. It is now more than a month.”

Local photographer Keow Wee Loong, famous for his stunning shots taken from the tops of KL’s famous buildings, also criticised the exorbitant RM4 million fund, and wrote a Facebook post in solidarity with Soh. An excerpt from post reads,

“(I’ve) been running up buildings for a long time but I don’t see how that’s going to help humanity by wasting 4 million on someone who is not going to be winning anything but wasting money to fulfill a personal achievement. There is nothing humanitarian about this personal goal.”

“Defence Minister Mohammad Sabu and our government should endorse Soh Wai Ching who is ranked the number 1 tower runner in Asia. There are millions of qualified, talented and experienced Malaysians out there, why Suwaibah Nasir?”

According to the New Straits Times, the Ministry of Defence denied claims that his ministry sponsored RM4 million and clarified that Mohammad Sabu merely showed moral support for Dr Suwaibah. In light of Soh Wai Ching’s comments on the fund, the ministry stated,

“It is unfair for any athlete to accuse the ministry of being biased if they themselves did not meet and get the support of the Defence Ministry and minister.”

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!

Also read: Netizens Criticise Runner Who Wants RM4 Mil Sponsorship for Her “Humanitarian Tour”