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Disability no barrier to top scorers Low, Rifaat

(By Shirlyn Preeta, Kuala Lumpur 21.02.11)

Being disabled was no barrier for success for Low Hong Ping and Mohd Rifaat Hussin, who were both top scorers in last year’s Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination.

Low, from SMK St John, Kuala Lumpur who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, scored four As in the STPM examination.

"I studied two hours everyday consistently. Besides that, I always pay attention during all lessons in school," said Low after the results were announced today.

Low added that he did not attend any tuition classes but his family, teachers and friends were always there to give him support and encouragement, which led to his success today.

"I am planning to further my studies in economics and be a successful economist one day," added Low.

Low’s mother Cheong Yee Yee,a housewife was very pleased with her son’s achievement. "I don’t have to worry about his studies as he knows his responsibility as a student; he does all his revision by himself. My job is to just look after him and his needs."

As for Mohd Rifaat who has been blind since he was 15, he did not expect to score four As and one B.

"I thought my world became bleak when I became blind but my mother has been always there through my ups and downs. She would always advise me not to give up and face my weakness,” said Mohd Rifaat who became blind due to high fever.

He said he had to take a year off school to study Braille before he could continue his studies.

Mohd Rifaat added that he studied in his hostel at night and hopes to become a teacher some day.

His mother Rusni Ahmad, 54, said that Mohd Rifaat would always cry when he first became blind. “He was so depressed and stressed out about his studies and future. I always adviced him to be patient and not give up on his studies."

For Teong Seng Kiang, it was a double joy when his twin daughters were announced as top scorers.

Twins, Aimee Teong Chuin Ai and Charlotte Teong Chuin Yi who studied at SMJK Katholik,Petaling Jaya scored straight As for the five subjects that they took.

"We are both very happy because we made our family and ourselves proud and would like to thank our parents, school principal, teachers and also our classmates," said Aimee.

Aimee intends to further her studies in medicine, while her sister Charlotte is planning to take up law.

The twin’s father said he never had to push his daughters as both were disciplined when it came to studies.

"I am thankful to the school which provided them sufficient homework and dedicated teachers to coach my daughters," he added.

Source: http://www.thesundaily.com/