Pickleball match serves up stronger ties between elected representatives, civil servants

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 16: The friendly pickleball match between the Sarawak branch of the Malaysian Government Officers Welfare and Sports Council (MAKSAK) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers served as a platform to foster closer ties between elected representatives and state civil servants.

Held at Star Pickleball Kuching today, the tournament marked the inaugural pickleball event involving both groups.

According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated the event through a symbolic kickoff match after spending time mingling and taking photographs with participants.

The Premier was later presented with a pickleball paddle as a souvenir by Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Kuching Pickleball Association president Ruslan Bujang.

He also received a commemorative plaque from Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Phang Leong Ming in appreciation of his presence at the event.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Abu Bakar said the programme was organised to provide an avenue for backbenchers and civil servants to unwind while strengthening camaraderie and cooperation.

He noted that all parties had been working tirelessly throughout the week during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting, making the casual sporting event a timely opportunity to build stronger rapport in a more relaxed setting.

“We are taking the opportunity this weekend to engage in recreational activities while strengthening the relationship between backbenchers and members of the public service,” he said.

He added that despite pickleball being a relatively new sport, the event received an encouraging response, including from participants trying the game for the first time.

Mohamad Abu Bakar also expressed confidence that the tournament would continue in the future following the positive reception to its maiden edition.

Also present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier and Tupong assemblyman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, as well as other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily

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