PM Najib spurs Shaaban Hussin to train future golfers

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak hopes national golfer Shaaban Hussin, whose left leg was amputated due after an accident, will consider a coaching career to churn out future golf champions.

Najib said Shaaban should contribute towards the development of golf and sports in general, especially among young people.

"This year, we hope to see him take up a new career as golf instructor and have a golf academy under his own name to train future golfers. He will surely be a source of inspiration to the younger generation," he said during the prize-giving ceremony for the Shaaban Hussin Golf Charity Pro-Am here Sunday.

The 36-year-old Shaaban, who is now under rehabilitation at a hospital, was involved in an accident while riding a high-powered motorcycle at the Guthrie Expressway on March 31.

As a result of the accident, the 2016 PGM Sime Darby Harvard champion injured his left hand and had his left leg amputated.

Najib, who personally visited Shaaban at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital last April, said Shaaban had the courage and spirit to overcome all adversities and rise above the challenges he faced.

At the event, Najib said RM407,000 was raised, thanks to various sponsors and individuals, in aid of Shaaban through the charity golf tournament spearheaded by him (Najib).

He announced that the government would top up the balance and make it RM500,000.

"This is a very emotional moment for all of us. I would like to thank everyone who have come forward to contribute generously to this worthy cause and also extend my appreciation to DRB Hicom Berhad which has stepped forward and organised this event successfully," he said.

"Shaaban's determination in rising above this tragedy has inspired me, and I feel that it's our responsibility to help him and his family. I'm determined to ensure that despite Shaaban's misfortune he and his family's future will be secured," Najib said.

Meanwhile, Shaaban told reporters later that he was mulling the possibility of starting his own golf academy through his club, Seri Selangor Golf Club, with the funds he had received today.

"Seri Selangor Golf Club has offered me to start an academy under my name and I'll take up the offer," said Shaaban, who has been with the club for 14 years.

The professional golfer, whose recovery rate stood at almost 75 percent, said he wanted to play a greater role and contribute towards the development of sports in the country.