Mayor Wee steps down as Sarawak bodybuilding president, Dr Malvern Abdullah takes over
by Ghaz Ghazali · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING: The Sarawak Bodybuilding Association (SBBA) has announced its new line-up for the 2025-2027 term.
During the annual general meeting (AGM) held at a hotel here on Saturday night, Dr Malvern Abdullah was elected as the new president, taking over from Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, who had led the association since May 2009.
This year, Wee, 63, had also stepped down from his vice-chairman position in the Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation (MBBF).
“I am happy that tonight’s AGM has gone along quite well, and we have a good line-up and leadership whom I believe will work hard to uphold SBBA’s core mission, which is to develop bodybuilding in Sarawak.
“I have led this association for almost 20 years, and throughout it all, we have gone through many ups and downs: celebrating success and learning from mistakes; introducing new talents; hailing new stars; mourning the loss of some members of our community; and continuing to fight and overcome all obstacles.
“My intention has always been to bring Sarawak bodybuilding up. I admit that some measures have worked, and some have not, but for me, we must continue fighting.
“This is the spirit that I want everybody in this committee to always strive for and uphold.
“To the new leadership, do better than me. That said, I assure you that I will always be here should you need some advice and support.
“Let us all fight for the same cause – to bring Sarawak bodybuilding to greater heights.
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of you, and those no longer with us, for the memories, the experience, the friendship, the partnership, the triumphs and the trials, and also the love for the sport that we share amongst us,” said Wee in his farewell remarks.
Nonetheless, the mayor said he would still be rendering support to the SBBA, in the capacity as an honorary president.
Meanwhile, Malvern, 50, said the committee’s soon-to-be-called first meeting would firstly discuss and finalise the date for the annual Mr Sarawak 2026.
“There are several proposals, but the finalised date must comply with the dates set by the MBBF for Mr Malaysia and the Asian championships – both to be held in Selangor next year,” he said in his acceptance speech.
The SBBA 2025-2027 line-up also comprises three vice-presidents: Chia Soon Cheong, Adrian Wong, and George Awi William.
The secretary is Philomena Dexclyn Siar with Donny Fam as assistant, while Ruzlan Lotfi serves as treasurer with Roy Chan as assistant.
The committee members are Oddie Grinsam, Lim Kok Soon, Suhardi Rakawi, Sonny Chia, Abdul Khaaliq Ahmad and Martin Voon.
SBBA was formed in August 1963 – about a month before the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16 – and was registered with the Registrar of Societies on Sept 2, 1963.
Its founding president was the late Dr YY Lee, who led SBBA from 1963 to 2003.
He was later succeeded by Kapitan Desmond Thian, who was the president from 2004 to 2009.