Agong congratulates Chong Wei on All England victory (UPDATED)

KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin today congratulated national shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei for winning the prestigious All England badminton championship yesterday.

"I wish to congratulate Datuk Lee Chong Wei for winning the All England. The victory carries a huge meaning in our quest to achieve the 1Malaysia vision," he said when opening the third term of the 12th Parliament here today.

Present was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah.

Tuanku Mizan also called on the people to continue bringing honour to the country.

"Whatever the field maybe, be it invention, innovation, sports, culture, arts and so on, they should go into it with a strong fighting spirit.

"In this regard, the government will always encourage and support the people in their quest to achieve success at the international level," he said.

Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, when met by reporters at parliament lobby, also congratulated Chong Wei for the victory.

He said the win would spur Malaysia's spirit to achieve success at upcoming championships namely the Thomas Cup, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games.

"Our target is to win our first Olympic gold medal in 2012 Olympics. I believe we can do it," he said.

Ahmad Shabery said there would be a welcoming ceremony for Chong Wei at KL International Airport tomorrow afternoon.

"Parliament also agreed to give opportunities to members to congratulate the champion on Wednesday," he said.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said he was proud of the spirit displayed by Chong Wei at the All England and said that with such a display of grit, the country's sports would achieve more successes.

Chong Wei, who is coached by Misbun Sidek, became the All England champion at the tournament's 100th year after beating Japan's Kenichi Tago 21-19, 21-19 at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham.

Meanwhile, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said accolades should also be given to Misbun who moulded Chong Wei into a world number one shuttler.

"I congratulate Datuk Lee Chong Wei and also coach Datuk Misbun Sidek for the victory. This is the combination that lands the All England championship.

"We hope he can continue to win for Malaysia, particularly the world championship and probably the Olympic Games in London in 2012," he said.

MySinchew 2010.03.15