Abdul Latif Romly is special, says former teacher

Special Education teacher of SMK Syed Alwi, Aznan Mat Isa, 49, described Abdul Latif as a diamond in the rough as he knows how to respect others despite born handicapped.

Aznan, who watched Abdul Latif broke the world record three times in the long jump T20 category via YouTube at home, said his former student did not forget to contact him before competitions.

"That night (Sunday) before he made the jump, Tip (Abdul Latif) called and urged me to pray for his success. On Monday, he sent me Aidiladha greetings via WhatsApp and thanked me for the prayers.

"The prayers for Abdul Latif did not come from me alone but from SMK Syed Alwi and the State Education Department," he told reporters at the office of the Special Education Unit, Private Education and Special Education Sector, State education Department, here today.

Aznan said while in the sports stream class, Abdul Latif received guidance from Sanusi Abdul Aziz, another athletics coach at SMK Syed Alwi.

"Tip was simply awesome. His talent in sports was detected at SK Seri Tunjong by teacher Ku Mansor Ku Hamid who provided guidance.

"His talent flourished at SMK Syed Alwi. Principal Selmiah Hasin them moved him from the special needs class to the sports stream class.

"Tip and all students with disabilities who had potential trained together with normal students. They trained after subuh (dawn) prayers until 7am before going to class.

"They trained for the 100-metre sprint and the long distance events. After a year, they were trained in suitable events."

Based on his physique and leg strength, Abdul Latif was more suitable for the jumping events compared to other students who opted for the sprint.