DAP parliamentary whip Anthony Loke has urged the government to offer a special incentive for athletes who set new world records.

This followed the feats of Malaysian Paralympians Muhamad Ziyad Zolkefli and Abdul Latif Romly at the ongoing Rio Summer Paralympics, where the duo set new world records in their respective sports.

“DAP fully supports the Youth and Sports Ministry’s policy of offering equal rewards for Olympic and Paralympic winners. The three Paralympic heroes who won gold for Malaysia, ought to be given RM1 million each.

“In addition, I propose that the Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin seek the cabinet’s permission to give a special incentive to athletes who break world records,” he said in a statement today.

The Rio Paralympics run from Sept 7 until Sept 18. Malaysia has garnered three gold medals thus far, placing it on the 18th out of 67 countries on the medal rankings.

Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi bagged Malaysia’s first Paralympic gold ever after winning the men’s 100 metre T36 event (cerebral palsy).

Then Muhamad Ziyad garnered a gold medal at the men’s shot put F20 (intellectual disability) event. He hurled the shot 16.84 metres, compared to the previous world record of 16.29 metres at the 2012 London Paralympics.

Abdul Latif also struck gold in the men’s T20 (intellectual disability) long jump event, leaping 7.47 metres into the record books by beating the previous record of 7.25 metres set by Spain's Jose Antonio in the 2012 London Paralympics.

He then made four more attempts, and beat his own world record twice with his best distance being 7.6 metres.

Loke said as this is the first time Malaysia has won gold medals at the Paralympics, Parliament should give them due recognition, in addition to the government’s financial rewards.

“In view of the three heroes writing history by winning Malaysia’s first Paralympic gold medals, they ought to be given the highest accolades through Parliament in addition to financial rewards from the government.

“On DAP’s behalf, I propose a motion of congratulations and thanks to all national heroes who have brought renown to their country at the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, when the Dewan Rakyat session opens on Oct 17,” he said.

Achievements hailed

Meanwhile, several other politicians on both sides of the political divide also hailed the achievements of the Paralympic athletes.

Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam said their achievements also showed the government’s concern for the disabled and its efforts to equip them with skills, support, and other encouragement.

“Our Malaysian Paralympics athletes, despite their challenges and limitations, have gone through great pain and suffering to enshrine our country’s image at the world forum and have made all Malaysians proud by staging our national anthem on three occasions.

“Through their untiring efforts and deeds, they have also conveyed one important message to all of us in Malaysia which is very relevant at this hour, that, ‘Instead of complaining of what we don’t have or what may be our limitations, opportunities are in abundance.

“‘Disabilities are not a hindrance. Hence, let us go out and prove our worth and contribute to the nation building’,” he said in a statement.

Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar also conveyed her congratulations in her Aidiladha address, in conjunction with today’s Aidiladha celebrations.

“It is through their effort and sacrifice that Negaraku reverberates through the arena in Rio, unlike certain individuals who made the country ‘famous’ for all the wrong reasons,” she said.

Meanwhile, MCA vice president Chew Mei Fun said the achievements of the Paralympians are an inspiration.

“The achievements of Paralympians receive the same recognition as Olympians as their triumph not only confirms the spiritual challenges of human destiny and difficulties, but also inspires everyone to utilise their potential to the fullest with confidence […]

“May all Malaysians continue to cheer our Paralympians to encourage them to strive for more medals, bringing greater glory to our beloved nation,” she said.