KUALA LUMPUR — Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin has called for equal attention and recognition for para-athletes, stressing that their success on the world stage must not be overlooked.
Speaking after hosting South Korean Paralympic Council (KPC) president Jung Jin-owan at the PCM Centre of Excellence in Kampung Pandan yesterday, Megat said para-athletes had more than proven their worth and deserved the same, if not more than able-bodied athletes.
“We need and deserve attention because we have proven ourselves on merit,” said Megat.
“We’re working closely with the new para division director (Joherman Amir) at MSN, and I believe we’re aligned in terms of direction.”
Malaysia’s para-athletes have so far delivered eight Paralympic gold medals, including two at the 2024 Paris Games, while the country is still chasing its first Olympic gold.
Despite this, able-bodied athletes often receive more coverage and support.
Megat believes that needs to change.
“I think attention must be given to both para- and able-bodied athletes—it has to be fair. At the end of the day, it’s about merit. And since we’re using public funds, the public deserves to see results and fairness.”
He added that the achievements of para-athletes offer inspiration not just to the disabled community but also to the wider public, including able-bodied athletes themselves.
“I also believe that able-bodied athletes and the wider public can draw inspiration from para-athletes and their achievements. There are great stories in para-sports, and it’s time we all move forward together and succeed together.”
Megat stressed that the benchmark for recognition should be performance and results, not physical ability.
“If we, in para-sports, can deliver eight gold medals, then able-bodied athletes must aim for the same. That’s the standard, and the attention should be distributed fairly based on that.”
He also made it clear that para-athletes should not feel like an afterthought in national sports planning.
“I don’t want my athletes to feel sidelined. I truly believe we’re on the right track, especially with the support of the National Sports Council (Majlis Sukan Negara).”
“I think we now have the right formula. Everything will go smoothly and, God willing, we’ll deliver when the time comes,” he added. – June 6, 2025