The opening of the 40th anniversary of Sibu Martial Art (Quanshu) Association. Wong is at fifth right, front row. On his left are Yung and Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King.

SIBU: Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh is confident that Sarawak will shine in Wushu again when the state hosts Sukma next year.

Speaking at the banquet to mark the 40th anniversary of Sibu Martial Art (Quanshu) Association at a leading hotel here recently, Wong, who is also the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, said Sarawak performed remarkably well in Wushu when the sport was made an event in Sukma 2000.

On its part, he said the state government had sent exponents of the sport to China – the birthplace of Wushu – to perfect their skills.

“With much encouragement from the Sarawak government, Wushu has made inroads into schools, exposing children at a young age to the sport. We trained our students, including those in Sibu, and they have shone in the regional sports arena.”

Wong paid tribute to leaders who had dedicated themselves to Wushu development in the state, saying they must be remembered and respected for their commitment.

Describing Wushu as a cultural activity originating from China, he said today it had become a major event in the international sports arena, with people across the globe practising and mastering it.

He said the oriental art of self defence must be perfected with discipline, tolerance and patience and not something that could be rushed through.

On the anniversary celebration, he said the organisation under master Yung Dak Looh had gained reputation for building a solid foundation in the martial art.

He said Yung established and promoted Chen Shi Taiji Quan in the state five years ago as an important branch of Wushu.

“Taiji today has spread across the globe. In US and Europe, the art has not only become popular, it has also been researched as an alternative healing therapy. Taiji is an art that blends the energy of the body with that of the natural environment.”

Wong hoped Sibu Martial Art (Quanshu) Association under Yung would continue to commit themselves for another 40 years, like what they had done in the past four decades.

Later, Wong announced a grant of RM30,000 for the association to build a Wushu gymnasium.

Earlier, Yung announced the plan in his speech, saying a 1.5-acre land had been donated for the purpose.