Malaysians In UAE Kick Off Merdeka Bash With Go-kart Race

Malaysians In UAE Kick Off Merdeka Bash With Go-kart Race

DUBAI, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- The burning heat did not dampen the spirits of Malaysians in the

(UAE) from kicking off Malaysia's 50th independence celebrations with a blistering Go-Kart race.

Twenty-one participants sweated it out on the Go-Kart track for the "Merdeka in the

Kart Championship" here Friday.

It was held at night but with their full racing gear attire, the 20-men and one woman had a tough time coping with the heat in

, especially during the sizzling hot summer months.

The racers, nevertheless, had fun and so did some 100 supporters, families, friends and children who became the unofficial "cheerleaders" clapping and cheering amidst the sound of the racers zooming away.

They may not be in

to witness the enthralling programmes lined up for the anniversary celebrations, but the Merdeka spirit was very much alive here.

During prize-giving, spirited shouts of "Merdeka" from the enthusiastic crowd filled the air of festivity. It was heartening to see even children hoisting and waving the Jalur Gemilang with pride.

Organiser Redza Jamil said initially he wanted to host the go-kart race just for fun among few friends to mark the 50th nationhood anniversary but many were keen to take part.

Hence, it became "a championship" with Malaysians coming from other parts of the

like

and

to participate, he said.

"And at the last minute, we got a corporate sponsor for the prizes, namely Kellogs, apart from a personal sponsor," said the Emirates airline pilot.

Redza is not only at ease while on air but also comfortable on the race track. He clinched third spot in the eight-lap sprint.

Mohd Hamiz Shah, winner of the sprint event, the 14-lap main race, was overjoyed with so many Malaysians converging at one place.

The 18-year-old student, who has been in

for two years, was happy that he won, but being able to meet fellow Malaysians made him feel "good."

It was the same kind of feelings for runner-up Mohammed Razmyn Abdul Rahman, who is with "Etihad Airways",

national carrier, and second runners-up Mohd Busri Muhammed Kunni attached with Emirates.

It is not so much of winning but more of being able to get together to start the ball rolling for the country's Merdeka celebrations in the

.

And for the sole woman participant, Nurul Fahadha Hamim, who is attached with LCL Corporation, a Malaysian interior-fit- out company, here.

For her, it did not matter if she did not win any placing.

She participated in the Merdeka spirit and perhaps this will be a beginning to her to be more active in Go-Kart.

When one is thousands of miles away from home, it becomes nostalgic when you see Malaysian flag being flown and hear shouts of Merdeka, things you take for granted when you are in

.

-- BERNAMA