Overseas Chinese cheer for the torch relay in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 21, 2008. Kuala Lumpur is the 13th stop of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay. [Xinhua]
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Marina Mahathir is the daughter of the 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Mahathir Mohammad. She is well known as a leader in many non-governmental organizations, and is currently an active sociopolitical blogger. She also writes a bi-weekly column in The Star.
Lee Chong Wei bagged his first 5-star event in the Danish Open 2005. He also successfully defended his Malaysia Open and bagged a bronze in the BWF World Championships.
"I hope the torch relay can bring me good luck and I really hope to win a medal in the Beijing Olympic Games," said Lee Chong Wei, who held an unbeaten record in all tournaments held inside Malaysian territory for 3 years, from 2004 to 2006 and another win in 2008 totaling 4 all together on his home soil.
The destination was placed in the square the Petronas Twin Towers, the second tallest buildings in the world after Taipei 101, as measured to the top of their structural components (spires, but not antennas). It's the second time for the Olympic flame to visit Malaysia after its debut in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.
"The Olympic Games is a great sports event for athletes all around the world and it's a pomp of peace," said Jiang Xiaoyu, the vice president of the Olympic organizing committee, in the celebration ceremony.
"As the third Asian country to host the Olympic Games, the Beijing Olympic Games is a pageantry and honor for all Asian people. We hope to carry the Olympic flame to countries and cities that have not hosted the Games," added Jiang.
Beginning in the 1990s, the city has played host to many international sporting, political and cultural events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Formula One World Championship.
The Olympic flame is leaving Kuala Lumpur for its 14th stop in global journey in Jakarta on Tuesday.
