Cover image via Bernama
A Malaysian tower runner has been receiving criticism for requesting RM4 million to fund her quest of conquering the world's 30 tallest towers
According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), Dr. Suwaibah Muhammad Nasir claimed that she needed USD1 million (RM4 million) to support her in the Humanitarian Tour to Conquer 30 World's Tallest Towers.
Dr. Suwaibah Muhammad Nasir receiving support from defence minister Mohamad Sabu at an event on 7 February.
Image via Bernama
Following that, Asia's top tower runner Soh Wai Ching questioned her saying that he only needed 2% of that amount to represent Malaysia in sports internationally
"Why support her? Is it because she had been in the army?" he asked, according to the report.
"Why not support athletes who represent the country like me?"
Soh said that he only needed a fraction of that amount – RM80,000 – to participate in tower running competitions this year.
In addition, Soh questioned the moral support that Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu had expressed for Suwaibah's run
"[She] was able to get the defence minister's support. That is not fair," said Soh, adding that he had won several competitions himself.
Soh revealed that he has yet to receive recognition as a national athlete, as promised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
In defense, Suwaibah said that she received the defence minister's support because of her role as an "icon" for air force sports development, of which Mohamad Sabu is a patron.
Datin Rosmah Mansor (left) standing with Suwaibah Muhamad Nasir (right) at Riva Sette De Marite in Venice, Italy in 2014.
Image via Borneo Post
