LETTER | The Malaysian contingent ended its recent campaign at the SEA Games in Cambodia with 34 gold medals. This is six medals short of the target.

Despite this commendable showing, negative comments and jeers regarding our performance at the games were making the rounds on social media.

This has to stop. Do not just cheer and support our athletes only when they bring home medals. Support them all the way. That is the least we as fellow Malaysians can do.

We should encourage and support them to soldier on and do better during the next outing.

We must not create a negative atmosphere just because our athletes failed to meet the target. It is talks like these that are fruitless and serve no constructive purpose.

Focus on the positives as the national contingent did in fact take home 34 gold, 45 silver, and 97 bronze medals and that is a feat in itself.

In any sporting event, a lot of preparation and training is required. We must credit the dedication, hard work, and merit of every athlete and the supporting staff behind them who sport the Jalur Gemilang on their jerseys.

Any victory or defeat in sports is a display of an athlete’s skill and talent. Please respect and honour this fact. Our athletes were seen waving the Jalur Gemilang during the closing ceremony of the Cambodia SEA Games. This in itself serves as a clarion call for all of us to stand in solidarity and display patriotism for our beloved country.

All Malaysians must honour our national athletes, coaches, and supporting staff as they not only represent Malaysia's finest but also represent the country. They represent our collective national pride, unity, and, above all, patriotism.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.