By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Sept 7 — The state government remains committed to providing better support and infrastructure to help improve the lives of special needs children while ensuring their rights are protected.
State executive councillor for family development, welfare, and women empowerment Anfaal Saari said the success of several national athletes at the ongoing 2024 Paris Paralympic Games demonstrates that disabled persons have bright prospects and serve as an inspiration for empowering this special group.
“Disabled persons have become Malaysia’s heroes. Two consecutive gold medals have been won — Cheah Liek Hou in badminton and just yesterday, Bonnie Bunyau Anak Gustin set a new world record in powerlifting, earning the country’s second gold medal.
“The state government is committed to providing better support and infrastructure. With well-planned programmes and community support, I am confident that special needs children can achieve outstanding success and contribute to the nation’s development,” she said.
Anfaal was speaking at the launch of the 2024 Anak Istimewa Selangor (AnIS) National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations today.
On Tuesday (September 3), Cheah secured the country’s first gold medal after defeating Indonesian player Suryo Nugroho in the SU5 (physical impairment) final at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena, reaffirming his status as an eight-time world champion.
The nation’s double triumph was achieved yesterday when powerlifting athlete Bonnie retained the gold medal he won at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, breaking his own world record with a 223kg lift.
Meanwhile, nearly 200 special needs children participated in the event along with the cooperation of government agencies like the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department.
“The event this morning began with a parade. We organised various activities, including a colouring competition, and there were also performances by the special needs children.
“We showcased the creativity of AnIS' children, and uniformed bodies took part as well. The Air Forece displayed their weapons and uniforms, while the Fire and Rescue Department brought their engines, allowing children to climb inside the vehicles,” said the councillor.
[caption id="attachment_371468" align="aligncenter" width="1098"]
State executive councillor for family development, welfare, and women empowerment Anfaal Saari (front row, centre) during the 2024 Anak Istimewa Selangor (ANIS) National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations at Dewan Teratai MBSA in Shah Alam, on September 7, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIASELANGOR[/caption]
