KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's first-lady Rosmah Mansor on Monday called on charities across the country to “never give up having various programs to prepare physically challenged children to move on to a higher level in life.” Mansor, the wife of Prime Minister Najib Razak, said that children deserve more opportunities within society, and their physical ailments or difficulties should not be a hindrance. She called on charities in Malaysia to “not neglect” special needs children. “Elevate collaboration with various quarters, regardless of whether it is the government, corporate bodies or individuals, so that they always remain a part of society,” she said in a speech at the presentation of Aidilfitri goodies at the Mydin Hypermarket in Subang Jaya. The text of her speech was read out by Aishah Ong, chairman of the Welfare Committee of the Welfare Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti). Mansor said she hoped that parents, teachers and other members of society “would not have any mental constraints in educating these children to enable them lead a better life.” She said these children should be “allowed to play a more comprehensive role to enable them achieve the maximum potential as members of society in contributing towards attaining the objectives of Vision 2020.” Mansor added that Bakti had handed over aid amounting to RM10,000 for distribution to physically challenged children at Community-Based Rehabilitation (PDK) centers registered with the Welfare Department.
