Najib presents RM3 mil Fed govt aid to Yakeb

The Prime Minister presented a cheque for the amount to Yakeb representatives led by acting chairman Mohamad Azlan Iskandar at the Perdana Putra building here.

He also enquired about the welfare of former national athletes.

Speaking to reporters later, Najib said it was indeed the government''s intention to assist Yakeb because the foundation cared for the welfare of former national athletes.

"The government will do all that it can because the former athletes must be cared for after their hard work in helping to raise the image of Malaysia," he said.

Several former national athletes also attended the event, among them national badminton legend Datuk Misbun Sidek, former national footballer Datuk Santokh Singh and former national sprinter Datuk M. Rajamani.

Najib said he hoped that the stories of the struggles of the former national athletes in their respective sport would serve to inspire the younger generation to excel and raise the standard of Malaysian sports.

Misbun, when approached after the event, said he was touched by the contribution to Yakeb.

"The contribution is most meaningful, especially to former national athletes who face health and financial problems," he said.

Rajamani said the new athletes should take a lesson from the former national athletes who lived without a pension or other financial resources.

Mohamad Azlan said the contribution would be fully used to care for the welfare of the former national athletes, especially those who faced health problems and needed money for treatment.