Jingulam (third from left) posing for a photo with the 11 lucky winners and other guests.
KOTA KINABALU: United Malaysia, the country’s official Manchester United supporters’ club, will send 11 people to watch the team play at its famous Old Trafford homeground.
The 11 were the lucky ones to win the all-expense trip in the grand lucky draw segment at United Malaysia's 5th annual dinner held at the Hakka Hall grand ballroom here on Friday (June 9).
More than 1,000 people turned up for the dinner, themed “United Unite! Still United”, painting the Hakka Hall with their beloved red Manchester United colours.
Back after a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the United Malaysia annual dinner is a much-anticipated event, which also drew large turnouts in the previous dinners, with the last one held in 2019.
People from all walks of life revelled in the occasion as old friends reconnected and new friendships were forged.
In his speech, United Malaysia president Batholomew Jingulam expressed his thanks to all those who came to support the event.
“After four years, we finally have our annual dinner back,” he said, to applause from the floor.
“It is something many look forward to for us Red Devils to meet up in numbers under one roof.
“And it is especially much anticipated due to the fact that a few of you will have the opportunity to win a trip to the Theatre of Dreams (Old Trafford) to watch a match,” he said.
Jingulam also paid tribute to members and supporters coming in droves to the dinner, eager to show their loyalty to Manchester United.
“Look at all of you present today. You see, politics divide, but Manchester unites,” he said, to loud cheers.
He added that having brought legendary former title-winning United defender Ronny Johnsen in the last dinner, many had inquired who the fan club would bring this time around.
“However, after months of deliberation, we decided that it would be better to send more people to Old Trafford to realise their dreams.
“We believe that for those who have yet to go to Manchester to see our players in the flesh, it would be more meaningful rather than only one legend coming here,” Jingulam said.
There were also other lucky draws that saw attendees winning official Manchester United goodies as well as electronic items, among others, during the dinner.
