Focus on abilities, not shortcomings of special needs kids, says Jeffrey
Published on: Wed, Aug 06, 2025
By: Johan Aziz Text Size: Jeffrey lighting the tournament torch at the 13th MSSS Special Education Athletics Championship. TAMBUNAN: Deputy Chief Minister 1, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan called on the community and the private sector not to look at the shortcomings of special needs children but at their abilities. He said they need to be more proactive in supporting any sports events that are held in the state.
Advertisement 'I see that special needs children are not just a hope but are a source of pride for all of us,' he said when officiating the 13th Sabah School Sports Council (MSSS) Special Education Athletics Championship (KOPK) at the Sports Complex here on Monday. He said the government always supports efforts like this because it believes that every child, including students with special needs, has their own potential to excel in various fields – including sports. Jeffrey, who is also the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, stressed that the government, through its education and human development policies, has never marginalized special children. He said that in the youth development plan, including the State Budget, special allocations are always provided to strengthen special education – including in terms of facilities, teacher training, and personality development programs.
Advertisement 'I also intend to see more programs like this continued and expanded to the national level so that Sabah becomes an example of an inclusive state that leaves no one behind,' he said. He reminded all the athletes who will compete that they are strong-willed warriors because it was not easy for them to get to this point, and they have all already won, they successfully overcame obstacles, constraints and personal challenges. Jeffrey, who is also the Tambunan Assemblyman, said that this tournament is not just a sports event but a symbol of strength, inclusiveness and humanity in the true sense. According to him, this proves that the fighting spirit, perseverance and determination of children with special needs should never be underestimated. He hopes that more parties will open up spaces and opportunities for special children to continue to shine. A total of 736 special athletes, along with 444 coaches and accompanying officers from all 24 districts in Sabah, participated in this tournament. Also present at the event were the Director of the Sabah Education Department, Datuk Haji Raisin Saidin, Senior Assistant Director of the Special Education Sector of the Sabah Education Department, Hajah Bernadette John, District Education Officer, Dr. Haison Jahudin, District Officer, Sobitun Makajil, District Education Officers and Deputy District Education Officers as well as heads of Sabah and Federal government departments, school principals, headmasters, teachers and parents. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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