Former national sprinter Watson Nyambek is now a happy man thanks to Chief Minister Adenan Satem.

The 40-year former national 100m record holder for 18 years before it was smashed this year now has a home of his own after staying with his mother-in-law since 2010 at Riam Road in Miri and looking forward to celebrate Christmas at the new house.

"First and foremost I must thank the chief minister for keeping his promise after meeting him early this year," he told Bernama in Miri today.

Watson said Adenan had asked him what assistance can the state government give to him in recognition of his contribution to the state and country.

"I told him (Adenan) I want a house and he promised to look into my plight, to my surprise I never expected it will be so soon.

"And my next wish is to celebrate Christmas at my new home. I do not know yet when I can move in because the house is still awaiting occupation permit from relevant authorities but I am already excited," he said after receiving a mock-key for the fully-furnished single storey corner terrace house located at Vista Perdana Phase 2 Permyjaya.

In a related development, Naim Group of Companies in a statement today said the simple presentation was held at a local hotel this afternoon and witnessed by the chief minister together with Naim chairperson Abdul Hamed Sepawi and SPNB chairperson Abd Latiff Ahmad, who later presented the mock-key to Watson.

The 850 sq ft house was jointly contributed by Naim Group of Companies and Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB).

- Bernama