Media statement by Lim Guan Eng in George Town on Tuesday, 7^th August 2012: 

RM100,000 incentive award to Dato Lee Chong Wei for being the first Malaysian to win 2 silver Olympic medals  

The Penang state government will give a RM 100,000 incentive award to Dato Lee Chong Wei for being the first Malaysian to win 2 silver Olympic medals and for his heroic efforts in the 2012 London Olympics as well as encourage him to go for gold in the 2016 Olympics. The incentive award will be made through the Perbadanan Bekalan Air Holdings Bhd (PBA) programme to reward world-class Penang athletes.

Despite his defeat to Lin Dan in the final, Dato Lee put in a valiant effort that brought pride to all Malaysians. In the end both Lin Dan and Dato Lee Chong Wei cried, the victor that he could finally prevail over such a worthy opponent and Lee who just missed by 2 points, Malaysia's first Olympic gold. Even though Dato Lee could not win Malaysia's first Olympic gold, he has already won an Olympic gold in all our hearts.

Penang is proud of what this badminton champion from Bukit Mertajam has achieved.

Even though all Malaysians share his disappointment at not winning, his fighting spirit and world-class ability inspired us and brought all Malaysians together as one nation, one spirit, one soul. Penang will give full support for Dato Lee to go for gold in the 2016 Olympics, which will also help groom worthy successors.

*Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister