One thing we mortals can never do is to please people all the time.

Whilst we attempt to keep all and sundry happy and contented, sometimes it is simply not possible. And this is what is happening to our new Youth and Sports Minister Azalina Othman Said, who might not be favoured by certain associations for her decision to promote sports for the handicapped or physically challenged persons.

Azalina recently announced that her ministry would give the physically challenged athletes better treatment. She also said there will be special training centres for this category of people. Another good news she has shared is that the ministry has allocated RM200,000 to the Paralympics Association of Malaysia (PAM).

The incentive was in recognition of PAM's commendable effort in organising the Paralympics Games recently. While other ministers are busy asking for allocations for some of the most ridiculous reasons, here's a minister who has decided to take the road less travelled by coming to the aid of the handicapped athletes.

However, as anticipated, Azalina's decision to reach out to the physically challenged athletes has left some parties unhappy. They feel they are more deserving of the ministry's funds. But in spite of the brickbats that have come her way, Azalina is standing her ground in wanting to promote sports for both the able and physically-challenged persons.

And for this, she deserves a pat on the back. Hopefully this effort is the beginning of many more positive and thoughtful actions that will be implemented by Azalina's ministry for the physically challenged, senior citizens, women and children.

To Azalina, your sensitivity in wanting to make sports accessible to one and all and the consistency reflected in this endeavour makes us proud of having you as the youth and sports minister.

Keep up the good work!