KUCHING, MAY 6: Sarawak will certainly have its own way of rewarding diving queen Pandelela Rinong other than a Datukship, said State Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said this when asked if Pandelela would be considered being given the title yet another of her victory after winning gold in the women’s 10m platform at the FINA Diving World Cup 2021.
 Abdul Karim said the while Pandela’s victory is certainly something to be reckoned with, the emphasis should not merely be on prizes or titles.
“Let her enjoy her sports,” he told reporters after the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between STB and Cope on Responsible Tourism here today.
Abdul Karim was responding to questions by journalists following comments and suggestions on social media that Pandelela should be conferred a Datukship following her recent win.
“Of course we are very happy with her achievement but for now let her just enjoy her sports as an athlete as she has a long way to go.
“The Olympics is just few months away and if the focus is on rewards, it might be a distraction as I’m sure as an athlete she is apssionate about her sports,” he added.
Pandelela scored 355.70 points to win the final at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre in Japan yesterday.
The 28-year-old Sarawakian was the only athlete to contribute a medal to the Malaysian contingent in the five-day tournament, which will ended today.
Following her win, social media has been abuzz with comments from netizens saying the athlete deserved to be given a Datukship for her contribution to the country.
