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KUALA LUMPUR – Public outrage towards the lack of assistance provided for former national para swimmer Koh Lee Peng has been misled, says National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) chairman Datuk Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed.
Lee Peng, who was named the 2016 Female Paralympian of the Year at the Penang State Sports Awards, was spotted selling tissue covers in Bukit Bintang by Twitter user @fxwxb in a viral tweet last Saturday.
Someone was selling this tissue cover in Bukit Bintang yesterday. She was in her wheelchair, & wearing the recognizable 'Harimau Malaya' polo shirt.
— Fayadh Wahab (@fxwxb) January 15, 2022
She was holding a torn up laminated newspaper, and I could only make up what the title was-
"Bekas Atlet Renang OKU Dicemuh". pic.twitter.com/u2SJmJ1wDb
Explaining the situation to The Vibes, Noorul Arifin says Lee Peng has received various channels of financial assistance over the years. However, in recent years, she has turned many of those down as she wants to support herself through her current business endeavours.
“We have offered to provide her assistance, but she is content with what she’s currently doing.
“If she wants to be independent, then we have to respect that decision,” he said.
Noorul Ariffin noted that Lee Peng did not attend various entrepreneurial courses organised by Yakeb to help former athletes.
“If she does not wish to join these courses, then we cannot force her to do so. It is her choice.
“It is not fair to blame the government for giving inadequate assistance to former athletes, when in reality they’ve been provided with equal opportunities to develop their entrepreneurial skills,” he said.
He also stated that many participants who attended the skills workshops have been able to financially support themselves.
According to Yakeb, Lee Peng has received several one-time financial assistance packages, including a RM5,000 donation from the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin Charity Golf Foundation.
Paralympic Council of Malaysia president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin also chimed in on this issue, suggesting that the public should show Lee Peng positive encouragement in her business endeavour.
“We shouldn’t see her selling tissue covers as something that is pitiful. She is finding her own way to make a living and we should respect that.
“If she needs any help, we can provide it. However, if what she wants is to promote her business, then I think it is better for us to support her.
“We should not think of her effort as something ‘low-life’. She’s doing noble work and is able to support herself through her business,” he added.
Koh represented Malaysia at the ASEAN Para Games from 2001 to 2005, bringing home 7 gold medals and 3 silver medals. – The Vibes, January 17, 2022.
