PM makes surprise visit to MCF Chess event for grandson

New Straits Times

2 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Amid a packed schedule, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today made a brief but meaningful stop to support his grandson, Sulaimaan Mohamad Khairul, at the Mini Chess Festival (MCF), held in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair.
The thirteen-year-old Sulaimaan is competing in the inaugural MCF, organised by the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) and the New Straits Times Press (NSTP), at the World Trade Centre (WTC).
He is taking part in the Under-18 category of the MCF Open Rapid Team Chess Tournament.
Upon arrival, Anwar was welcomed by NSTP Business Development and Special Projects Manager Tengku Kaifi Mirza Tuan Cherit and Berita Harian News Editor (Features and Religion) Nazmi Yaakub.
The prime minister, who spent around 10 minutes at the venue, was also seen engaging warmly with participants and spectators.
His presence sparked excitement among the young chess players, many of whom took the opportunity to greet him and snap quick photos.
Sulaimaan, when met, said he joined the competition organised by NSTP and MCF with the aim of winning it.
The eldest of four said he learned how to play chess at the KL Chess Academy in 2020.
"Every year, I also take part in chess tournaments," he said.
Sulaimaan's father, Mohamad Khairul Ahmad Jahudi, 45, said he was proud and happy with his son's achievement in participating in the chess competition.
He said he also wanted his son to build character and experience the ups and downs of competing.
"The highs and lows, the wins and losses are valuable experiences he can carry with him in life," he said.
Speaking to NSTP reporters later, Tengku Kaifi said Anwar's visit was a meaningful gesture that affirmed NSTP and MCF's efforts in promoting educational and intellectual development among youth through chess.
"Chess enhances strategic thinking and problem-solving skills and is a healthy form of competition that has a positive impact on students.
"As such, we feel excited, appreciated and encouraged that what we are trying to promote to the public has been acknowledged by the prime minister himself.
"It shows that he (Anwar) also supports efforts by the wider community to educate students and further strengthen their thinking skills through learning chess," he said.
With four categories, children, adults, open, and team tournament, MCF has attracted more than 200 chess enthusiasts of all ages, offering a total prize pool of RM20,000.
The festival, held from May 28 to June 1, involves different tournaments, including the Open Blitz, National Youth Blitz, Open Rapid Team, National Youth Rapid, and Open Rapid.
Meanwhile, before visiting the tournament, Anwar also stopped by the NSTP booth at the book fair, where a selection of NSTP publications, New Straits Times, Berita Harian, and Harian Metro, was available to visitors.