LANGKAWI, Nov 2 — Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman brought home RM1 million in contributions for the welfare of his constituents after completing the Ironman Malaysia Championship in Langkawi yesterday in under 13 hours.
The 32-year-old former Youth and Sports Minister completed the gruelling race, which comprised a 3.8-kilometre swim, a 180-kilometre cycling segment and a 42.2-kilometre run, in a total time of 12 hours, 22 minutes and 18 seconds.
“I came here with one goal – to secure RM1 million for Muar… Alhamdulillah, I managed to finish in under 13 hours, so now Prima Valet (PV) must fulfil its promise of donating RM1 million for food banks, laptops and festive clothing.
“I will do whatever it takes to ensure the welfare of my people is well cared for. Even though I vomited several times due to feeling unwell, I was determined to finish because the people of Muar were always on my mind, and I would never disappoint them,” he told reporters after completing the event.
He said the running segment was the most challenging part for him, made harder by his physical discomfort, but he was pleased to have improved his timing compared with last year’s 13 hours, 13 minutes and 50 seconds.
“I joined this event to test my physical and mental limits… earlier, I wondered why I was putting myself through such pain, but once I crossed the finish line, I told myself I will join again next year.
“If given the strength, perhaps even at the age of 100 I will continue taking part in triathlon sports, as I want to ensure my body and mind remain active – because to be a leader, whether in politics or otherwise, one must always be strong,” he said.
Earlier, local fashion company Prima Valet (PV) had pledged to contribute RM1 million to Muar residents if Syed Saddiq managed to complete the Ironman Malaysia Championship in under 13 hours. — Bernama
