JASIN, Sept 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged successful companies and the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector to collaborate with Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres (PPDK) to elevate the potential of the disabled community.
Senior political secretary to the prime minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s consistent concern for the disabled community, including Paralympians, should be emulated by all.
Using the success of the athletes at the Paris Paralympics, who took home medals, and two PPDK participants representing Melaka in the Special Olympics singing competition in October as examples, he highlighted that these examples clearly indicate special-needs individuals can succeed with the support provided by various parties, including corporate firms and SMEs.
“The prime minister’s dedication to Paralympians, through providing resources, support, and encouragement, highlights the importance of recognising and valuing their accomplishments.
“This commitment should be mirrored by everyone, not just large corporations but also SMEs, which can contribute financially or with in-kind support to PPDK initiatives. Such collaboration fosters a more compassionate society within the Malaysian family,” he told reporters after launching the Jasin Semarak Merdeka Madni 2024 PPDK programme at Jasin Bistari.
National Paralympian Cheah Liek Hou won gold in badminton, while Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli secured silver in shot put at the Paris Paralympics.
Shamsul Iskandar suggested state governments and the Social Welfare Department (JKM) proactively involve PPDK participants from every district in National Day celebrations.
“As this year’s National Day theme is ‘Jiwa Merdeka’, we want all citizens, regardless of their backgrounds, to experience and be part of the nation’s independence history and to embrace good values so political stability is maintained and inter-ethnic relations are upheld.
“I also hope JKM and state governments can take the initiative to make the National Day celebration among PPDK participants a mandatory annual event from next year,” he said.
— Bernama
