Najib Wants M'sian Golfers To Make Their Presence Felt Internationally

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak wants to see Malaysian golfers making waves on the world stage. He said this was achievable with continuous support for the sport from the government and like-minded corporations such as Sime Darby Berhad. "Sime Darby is supporting the development of our young golfers and let's hope that one day we'll see more Malaysians compete (in international golf events). "And it's my intention to bring golf in Malaysia to a higher level," he said in his speech at the prize-giving ceremony of the Sime Darby Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour in Bukit Kiara here Sunday. Najib congratulated China's Feng Shanshan who outclassed over 70 other participants in the four-day event to win the top prize of US$300,000 and a trophy. Malaysia was represented at the tournament by six professional lady golfers, namely Jean Chua, Ainil Johani Abu Bakar, Michelle Koh, Kelly Tan, Aretha Pan and Michele Low. The home-grown talents were given sponsor exemption tickets to play in the event. Najib noted that the LGPA tournament, which attracts international golfers of high calibre, had become a brand for Malaysia and the tournament must continue in the future. -- BERNAMA