Mt Everest climbers happy to get recognition for their feat

GEORGE TOWN: M. Magendran and N. Mohanadas were beaming with joy after receiving their Datukship from Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas here.

“The way we were welcomed and recognised by the state government makes us feel like we have just returned from Mount Everest.

“It brought back fond memories of our conquest of the mountain 13 years ago,” Mohanadas, 49, told reporters after the investiture ceremony at Dewan Sri Pinang here.

The duo received the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) award in conjunction with Abdul Rahman’s 72nd birthday celebrations here yesterday.

They were among 176 people who received the awards yesterday.

Magendran, 47, said it was good to know that the people recognised them for their achievement.

“We are not questioning why we are receiving the recognition only now. For us, the most important thing was to bring glory to our country and returning home safely,” he said.

Magendran was the first to reach the peak followed by Mohanadas 15 minutes later on May 23, 1997.

Also present at the ceremony were Mohanadas’ wife, R. Manimegalai, and Magendran’s wife, V. Senthamarai.

Deputy Chief Minister (II) Dr P. Ramasamy said the Pakatan Rakyat state government gave the awards to the duo to recognise their feat.

He said Magendran and Moha-nadas had been roped in by the state government to help develop sports programmes, including mountain climbing.

Former Bar Council president Yeo Yang Poh, who received his Datukship, said he appreciated the recognition given to him.

“This award is significant as it comes with great responsibility. I hope to serve the people better,” said Yeo, who is also Penang Appeals Board chairman.

Heading the list of recipients were Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Azizan, who was conferred the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN), which carries the title Datuk Seri. However he was not present yesterday.

Former Penang Development Corporation general manager Datuk Chet Singh, 74, who is Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s special adviser, also received the DGPN award.

Former Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said the move to award Magendran and Mohanadas Datukship would encourage other Malaysians to have a spirit of adventure and aspire for achievements.

“We applaud the Penang government for their role in fulfilling the wishes of the public,” he said.