Umno’s Apas rep Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said he had met former athletes who had contributed to the state but who claimed they were overlooked by the government.

“Many of them feel sidelined and have not been given due attention. Their welfare is not looked after,” he told the state assembly during state Youth and Sports Minister Frankie Poon’s winding-up speech.

“Even the ministers responsible had never gone to see them. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to brag but the late Datuk Tawfiq Titingan was really attentive to the welfare of former athletes when he was the state sports minister.”

Tawfiq, who was Nizam’s older brother, passed away after a long battle with colon cancer last March.

Nizam urged the present government to emulate Tawfiq’s dedication, adding those in high positions in the ministry should look into creating a special unit to look after former state athletes.

“I propose that a special unit be formed under the ministry to look after the welfare of state athletes who have brought fame to the state and country.

“Some of these athletes have chronic diseases and are unable to sustain their families. If we can do this, then we’ll be the only state in Malaysia to do so. Only then can we show it’s ‘Sabah Baru’ (new Sabah).”

Elected representatives concurred with Nizam’s views, with Kemabong assemblyman Jamawi Jaafar calling on the state to recognise such athletes with state honours.

Nominated assemblyman Loretto Padua Jr suggested that the ministry consider giving the sportsmen insurance so they could seek medical treatment when needed.

In response, Poon agreed that rewarding the state athletes was a good idea and said his ministry will consider all the proposals before making a decision.