KUALA LUMPUR – The Paralympic Council Malaysia (PCM) is planning to bring the country’s first Paralympic gold medallist, Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi, better known as Dek Wan into its fold following his retirement, in a move aimed at strengthening the national para sports ecosystem.
PCM president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin told Scoop that discussions on the proposal are expected at the council’s meeting next month, with the possibility of Dek Wan being appointed as an ambassador or assuming a significant leadership role within the organisation.
“Dek Wan is one of the athletes I highly respect. He has contributed immensely to the country and is an icon and inspiration to our younger generation of para athletes,” Megat said when contacted.
National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Jefri Ngadirin previously confirmed to Scoop that Dek Wan had decided earlier this month to step away from para athletics, marking the end of a distinguished competitive career.
The 38-year-old sprinter, who clinched Malaysia’s first Paralympic gold medal in the men’s 100m T36 (cerebral palsy) event at the 2016 Rio Games, is seen as an elite athlete with the experience and insight to contribute significantly to the development of para sports.
At the same time, Megat said that the PCM council is seeking to bring retired athletes into governance roles to ensure continuity of expertise and to give back to the para sports ecosystem.
“Once athletes retire, we want them to play an active role in the para-industry or the para-community. It’s not just sitting at home waiting for handouts. We want them to continue contributing,” he said.
“I have Jonathan Wong Kar Ghee, my deputy president for the Malaysian Para Swimming Association. Despite being a successful businessman and accomplished athlete, he has taken on this role. Now we want to bring in other elite athletes who have the right mindset and training to support para sports.”
Megat explained that former athletes understand the sacrifices involved and the real needs of para athletes.
“This is their sport. We provide the framework, but the ones who truly understand the commitment are the athletes themselves. We want to give them the opportunity to continue contributing,” he said.
He also noted the importance of demonstrating to younger athletes that retirement is not the end of the road.
“Other athletes will see that the pathway of being a retiree is not the end of the world. It’s not just about sitting at home waiting for people to give you support. We want them to play an active role in the para-community,” he said.
Meanwhile, Megat added that PCM hopes initiatives like this will one day see para athletes filling important positions within Malaysia’s broader sports administration, including roles in the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb), further bridging the gap between experience and governance.
“In the International Paralympic Council and the Asian Paralympic Council, it’s clear that sport exists because of the athletes. Getting them on board is a good thing not only for us but also for them. It’s their pathway as well,” he said. - April 8, 2026
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