Malaysian rider Syarifuddin Azman made the country when he emerged victorious at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in the 2021 FIM CEV Moto3 Junior World Championship on Sunday.
Starting in the 10th position, the Selangor-born SIC Racing rider made an impressive chase throughout Race 1 of the 16-lap race to clinch his first-ever victory in the feeder series for MotoGP.
Although he could not pull off the same in Race 2, crashing out with five laps remaining, his win did not go unnoticed, as Muhyiddin Yassin was among the first to congratulate him.
"Surely only determination, perseverance, determination and courage can lead a racer to be called a champion.
"Congratulations to Syarifuddin and all team members on your success that has made the country proud," wrote the Prime Minister of Malaysia on his official Facebook page.
Similarly, Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican also praised Syarifuddin for the success.
"His brave action in the recent round resulted in the Moto3 Junior World Championship win in Barcelona.
"Let's all give support and encouragement to him. Congratulations Syarifuddin, keep up the performance in the next race," he wrote.