Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia is aiming to secure a slot in the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), which is scheduled to convene this September in Seoul, said Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM) president Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin. The move is intended to strengthen Malaysia’s role in the development of para sports at both national and global levels.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the intended role is to ensure Malaysia is directly involved in policy-making and setting the direction of the Paralympic movement at the international level. Megat D Shahriman expressed his personal aspiration to contest for a position in the IPC, highlighting that Malaysia currently holds a portfolio only at the Asian level. With strategic partnerships, particularly with South Korea, Malaysia hopes to secure representation in the IPC.

The visit by South Korean Paralympic Committee president Jung Jinowan to Malaysia was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and implementing joint development programmes. These progr
ammes include athlete exchanges for training and international-level exposure, with Malaysia looking to learn from South Korea’s management of Paralympic sports.

Additionally, Megat D Shahriman emphasized the importance of giving national para-athletes equal attention due to their outstanding international performances. He commented on the need for fair media coverage for para-athletes, who often show remarkable capabilities but receive less attention compared to able-bodied athletes. Collaboration with the National Sports Council’s new director of para sports is seen as aligning with these aspirations.