KUANTAN: National badminton legend Datuk Foo Kok Keong is now an MCA life member.
Foo said he was honoured to be given a platform to promote sports through the party.
He received his membership card from Kuantan MCA chief Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker at a lunch meeting here yesterday.
However, Foo said he would not be involved politically but would instead be promoting sports and motivating youths through his association with Ti, who is the Deputy Youth and Sports Minister.
“I am now a sports ambassador with the Rotary Club of Rahman Putra. I am scouting for young future talents from the B40 group and giving them an opportunity to be trained,” he said.
Foo, 59, had recently been conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which carries the title “Datuk”.
Ti said Foo had initially gone to MCA headquarters to submit his membership application.
“He chose to join my branch in Kuantan Garden. Foo said he wanted to assist the youth with badminton clinics as an encouragement to practice a healthy lifestyle,” said Ti.
He added that this was an opportunity as well to promote local athletes as icons for youths.
“For example, our wushu champion Tan Cheong Min made a breakthrough by being the first wushu athlete to become National Sportswoman.
“We also have Koi Sie Yan, a rhythmic gymnast from Kuantan.
“These are all exemplary role models for youths today, who often grapple with feelings of frustration, depression and anxiety as well as adopting a defeatist attitude. We need to motivate them with high achievers,” he said.