Fans, royalty and govt leaders rally around top shuttler

PETALING JAYA: Fans of Datuk Lee Chong Wei are rallying behind the country’s badminton hero following news that he has nose cancer.

From royalty to government lea­ders, politicians and the man in the street, all offered him their prayers for a full and speedy recovery.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) new patron, urged the people to pray for the athlete’s full recovery.

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman posted a wefie of him and Chong Wei on Instagram, saying that he had been following the developments involving the player’s health even before he left for Taiwan.

“I have informed Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Dr Siti Hasmah about Chong Wei’s health condition.

“My ministry stands ready to provide the fullest support to Chong Wei, who is an icon and hero of Malaysians.

“I urge all parties to respect and give him and his family members privacy. Our moral support and prayers will always be with his struggles. Get well soon, national hero,” Syed Saddiq posted.

Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim joined in on Twitter.

“I am saddened to hear the news about @LeeChongWei. Hope you have a speedy recovery. My prayers and support are always with you,” he wrote.

Facebook user We Bob commented: “Only one game down. You still have two more games left to make it into the rubber. You have gone through many times in your marvellous career before.

“You can do it. No doubt about it. You are the ultimate champion!”

Another fan, Lillian Low, wrote: “Remember you are a badminton champ. Not easy to be one though.

“With the same kind of determination and strong will, you can definitely turn around and heal yourself of this sickness.”

University student Marcus Kam said he prayed that Chong Wei’s renowned fighting spirit would help him pull through.