Abdul Azeez to the rescue of 'marginalised' former north pole skydivers

Former Putera UMNO North Pole Free Fall Expedition 2007 skydiving team members who claimed they had been marginalised have expressed relief their woes would be redressed.

Their representative, Mohd Khashian Khan Omar Khan, 30, said after their plight was highlighted by the media, the issue was brought up in a meeting with Putera 1Malaysia Club president Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.

He said Abdul Azeez promptly called for a meeting when he returned from the 'Flotilla For Myanmar' mission and was shocked to learn of their woes.

"The matter was not brought to his attention due to communication breakdown. Before this, we only communicated with his officers," he told a press conference here Sunday.

Also present at the press conference were four former Penang skydivers namely, Daniel Shahredzuan Mohammed Zawawi, 30; Mohammad Shafiq Akmal Tkisno, 29; Norafandi Noordin, 34, and Mohd Saifolnizam Dorani, 29.

On Feb 19, the former skydivers expressed disappointment and claimed they were marginalised by certain parties inspite of the team's success in the global arena.

Mohd Khashian Khan was reported to have said that after 10 years, he along with 10 other former skydivers of the expedition did not have a steady income nor received the support and incentives promised.

Mohd Saifolnizam said Abdul Azeez had promised to investigate the matter and fulfill the promises made, which included awarding them with houses and Umrah packages.

"We feel relieved, now that Datuk Seri (Abdul Azeez) has promised to help us, including getting us permanent jobs with the government and giving us housing assistance," said the factory worker. -- Bernama