File picture showing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (centre) posing with his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and the Malaysian contingent from the 2016 Rio Olympics at KLIA August 24, 2016. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — The recent achievements by Malaysian athletes and para-athletes in Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil were the product of the policies by Umno and the Barisan Nasional government, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

The prime minister said the ruling coalition was responsible for policies that encouraged the development of sports and other social aspects in Malaysia, which were partly responsible for the “exceptional” achievements during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brazil.

“As a political party, Umno supports and pursues government policies. One important area is social and sports development, from the context of a government that develops a peaceful and prosperous nation.

“As the core to the country’s leadership, Umno should at least be partially credited for the successes achieved by those under the umbrella of Umno and BN policies,” he said during his speech in an Umno event to celebrate the athletes and para athletes today.

Najib added that all Malaysians should use the athletes’ success as motivation to achieve their own victories in “politics, economics and business”.

The Pekan MP also said the recent Olympics performance would be a “stepping stone” for Malaysia to further develop sports as this will help build and unify the nation.

“We know that spots can raise the mood and spirit of a country. Sports is seen as unifying factor. When we develop sports, the mood and sentiment of the nation will be more positive,” Najib added.

All gold medal winners today received RM30,000 from Umno while silver medallists got RM 20,000, and those with bronze medals were given RM 10,000.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, and Umno information chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa among others.

Athletes who attended include badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei, national diver Pandelela Rinong as well as the Paralympic medallists Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi and Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli.