From reaching the peak of Everest to sailing solo across the world, Malaysians are no stranger to achieving remarkable feats. Often, some prefer to do all these things below the radar, choosing not to be in the limelight. Personal preference lah kan?
Recently, national woman solo runner, Honorary Major Dr Suwaibah Muhammad Nasir has announced that she will embark on a “humanitarian journey to conquer 30 world’s tallest towers”.
To achieve this feat, Dr Suwaibah requires USD1 million (about RM4 million) to cover the high costs of accommodation, airline tickets, visa application, and any other incurred cost for her to complete the mission.
As reported by The Star, she said that she has already received several sponsorships to cover the air tickets and accommodation for the 14-country-mission. She elaborated,
“I foresee that I will be able to conquer four towers each month, but this is subject to the approval of the authorities in the different countries.”
However, her intention has prompted several individuals to voice out their opinions regarding the exorbitant funds requested.
An individual who is currently in Kyrgyzstan, the 22nd country in his cycling journey back to Malaysia from the U.K. posted on his Facebook account questioning the need for the RM4 million budget.
He explained that he and his friends have been on their journey for more than a year and yet their budget has not exceeded USD 1,500 (about RM 6,000). He advised Dr Suwaibah to go on her trip within her means; practice moderation when it comes to food, lodging, and airfare. He raised the question,
“What kind of humanitarian mission are you doing? Is it worth the RM4 million for this mission and will bring about any positive change for the world. I think it would be better for the RM4 million to be contributed towards the development of the country and its citizens.”
USD1Juta untuk dia buat benda ini. Aku harap dia cuma dapat fund dari badan swasta je lah dan bukan kerajaan. Sebab ni bukan olympic sports (betulkan kalau aku salah). Tapi lagi baik sponsor soh wai ching yang sekarang world ranking no 5 dan Asia no 1.
Dr Suwaibah ranking no? pic.twitter.com/wji5tlyqDr
— HermyR (@HermyRahim) February 7, 2019
Another netizen also suggested that it is better to sponsor Wai Ching Soh, who is fifth in the world tower running ranking and number one in Asia.
Source: Twitter
Again, he questioned why Dr Suwaibah needs such a huge amount to achieve her mission. To him, it would be best if the sponsorship comes from the private sector as funds from the government would better be given to national athletes or injected into developing the country.
As at the end of the day, the topic of debate is the amount needed and how she would utilise it. We suggest that Dr Suwaibah explains and lists her spending clearly to ensure the public understands her good intentions. Whatever it is, we wish Dr Suwaibah all the best in her humanitarian mission.
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