The Concept:

The design for the Baton of the Kuala Lumpur 98 XVI Commonwealth Games Queen's Relay has been conceptualized from a traditional Malay artifact, the 'Gobek' – a unique cylindrical areca nut-pounder widely used and displayed in Malay homes.

The 'Gobek' is an important element of the 'Tepak Sireh', a tray comprising an array of items such as: betel leaves, gambier, lime and areca nut. Visitors to traditional Malay homes are warmly welcomed and often served with the 'Tepak Sireh' which holds the 'Gobek'. Both host and guests will fill up the 'Gobek' with these items and pound them finely before consuming.

The 'Gobek' has long been regarded as an indispensable tool in welcoming and entertaining visitors to traditional Malay homes. It reflects closeness and friendliness between the host and guests, and exudes a warm ambience.

Both the 'Tepak Sireh' and the 'Gobek' are timeless items prominently used during traditional Malay ceremonies and functions, engagements, weddings and cultural events among others.

Owing to the warm and friendly atmosphere created around it, it is befitting that the 'Gobek' , unique as it is, has been chosen as the concept for the Baton of the Kuala Lumpur 98 Games Queen's Relay. After all, the Commonwealth Games have commonly been known as the 'Friendly Games'.