The Sarawak government will assist former national sprinter Watson Nyambek with his financial difficulties, said Tan Sri Adenan Satem. The chief minister said this was in recognition of Watson's contributions to the state and country. "It is only right that we do something to help him. "We also appreciate if the private sector could assist," Adenan told reporters after opening the "Senada Sejiwa" roadshow in Kapit today. He did not state how Watson would be assisted. Dubbed "The Flying Dayak" in his heydays, Watson, 40, who still holds the Malaysian record as the fastest 100m runner, was yesterday declared a bankrupt for failing to settle a loan of RM80,000 from Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad. His debt, including interest, was reportedly over RM100,000. He said he had taken the loan to pay for his late father's cancer treatment. The record, set in 1998, was 10.3 seconds. He is currently an athletics coach with the Sarawak Sports Council Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) deputy president Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi who was present at the roadshow launch, had also pledged to help Watson. Sarawak Barisan Nasional Youth also responded to Watson's plight. Its chief, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, said the movement would arrange a meeting with the former athlete soon "to understand the problem he faced and find ways how Sarawak BN Youth could assist". Fadillah said the assistance was in appreciation to the time and sacrifices "this son of Sarawak" had made to bring glory and honour to the state. – March 5, 2016.]]>
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