SIBU: Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee has highlighted the potential for fostering better relations between government and private agencies through sports events.
The Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government said that such initiatives could help dispel stereotypes and enhance understanding between the two sectors.
“We are all Sarawakians. Through programmes like these, government officers can interact with the community, showcasing that they are approachable and here to serve,” he said during the closing ceremony of the Kejohanan Futsal Piala Pengguna Majlis Tindakan Pengguna Negara (MTPN) 2024 at Indoor Stadium Bukit Lima here yesterday (Mar 3).
He further underscored the unifying power of sports, stating, “Sports are color-blind; Sarawak is color-blind. In sports, we meet each other, we challenge each other with our skill, not with our skin color, not with our language, not from what class, what background we are from. We are all the same.”
The Pelawan assemblyman stressed that promoting unity, harmony, and peace is crucial in Sarawak, and sports serve as a powerful medium for achieving these goals.
During the championship, the TTP team claimed the title, with the IPD Sibu team securing the runner-up position. The Langmoi and TZ FC teams finished in third and fourth places, respectively.
The winning team received a cash prize of RM2,000, while the runners-up were awarded RM1,500. The third and fourth-placed teams each received RM1,000 and RM500, respectively.
The tournament saw the participation of 30 teams from government agencies, private companies, and the public, involving approximately 300 players.
Held in conjunction with World Consumer Rights Day from March 2 to 3, the event was organised by the MTPN Sibu Branch in collaboration with various government departments and agencies, with Doremart Sibu as the main sponsor. Sibu MTPN chairman Lucas Lau was also present at the event.
