PETALING JAYA – In a heart-wrenching yet inspiring encounter this week, two former national athletes—each grappling with terminal illness—shared a moment that embodied the true spirit of sportsmanship and compassion. Former squash star Mohamed Kenneth Low, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, extended a heartfelt donation to race walking legend G. Saravanan, now battling motor neurone disease (MND).
Their meeting at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre was more than symbolic. It was a wake-up call. A rallying cry. A reminder that our national heroes, who once stood tall on the world stage, are now left to suffer in silence.
G. Saravanan, the 1998 Commonwealth Games gold medallist in the 50km walk, remains one of Malaysia’s most decorated athletes. His record remains unbroken. Yet today, his body is failing, and so too is the system meant to protect those who brought glory to our flag.
Malaysia must not be a nation that only celebrates its champions in their prime, only to forget them in their pain.
We call on Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to take urgent, sustainable action. It is no longer enough to offer one-off donations when public pressure mounts after a media report. Our national athletes, like Saravanan and many others before him—including police, soldiers, and civil servants—deserve dignity, security, and systematic support.
We propose:
1. Immediate medical and financial intervention for G. Saravanan through a dedicated trust fund in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Youth and Sports.
2. Long-term welfare plans for all retired and ailing national athletes, including insurance, monthly pensions, and free public healthcare access.
3. A National Sports Heroes Act, safeguarding the welfare of athletes beyond their years of service—similar to programs in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Japan, where ex-athletes receive government-backed pensions, healthcare, and rehabilitation services.
4. Full endorsement of Dato Haji Noorul Ariffin’s efforts in advocating athlete welfare through structured, accountable funding channels.
These measures are not acts of charity—they are matters of justice. These athletes once walked for us, ran for us, bled for us. Now it is time the nation walks with them.
We urge the government not to let Saravanan’s legacy fade into oblivion. His story, his struggle, and his spirit must be immortalised—not just with words, but with action.
Let this not be a forgotten chapter, but a turning point in how we treat the people who made us proud.
This is not just Saravanan’s story. This is Malaysia’s voice.
For contributions to G. Saravanan:
Sassikala Muniandy (Maybank: 107095267317)
Yayasan Pemerkasaan Pendidikan dan Kemahiran (Maybank Islamic: 562209627619 | Ref: Saravanan Aid)