Although in the past few months, a lot of incidents had happened that attempt to severe the tie between Malaysia and Indonesia, but as the saying goes, “blood is thicker than water”. The close relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia must be preserved not only in the field of social, economy but also among the people.

With that in mind, the third Malaysia-Indonesia Games or Sukmalindo is organized to foster goodwill and enhance relationship between students from both countries.

A TOTAL of 180 athletes from institutions of higher learning in Malaysia and Indonesia are at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) for a five-day games which began on Oct 21.

Held for the third year running, Sukan Malaysia Indonesia (Sukmalindo) aims to foster closer ties and better understanding between students and officials from the two nations.

Malaysia has nine institutions while Indonesia has five competing in five sports namely volleyball, sepak takraw, badminton, bowling and futsal.

A friendly bowling contest for the officials and representatives of the two nations will also be held.

Besides the games, the organising committee is arranging for the athletes to visit places of interest in the city.

Indonesia Day, a programme showcasing Indonesian films, culture, fashion and food, is being held simultaneously.

In a welcoming dinner last Saturday, Unimas deputy vice-chancellor Associate Professor Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman said: “The games are important to maintain a good relationship between the two countries and similar ones will be held between Malaysia and Thailand.”

“Even though every athlete aims to win, what’s more important is for them to take the opportunity to get to know one another … likewise the officials and representatives.”

He added that the next games would be held in Semarang, central Jawa.

Sukmalindo ends today.

I would like to quote what a friend of mine said today, “It is not about the game, nor the result, it’s about the friendship”.

And that, is what matters.

Source: The Star Online

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