So, are JPA scholarships and special-needs students compatible? Heck, why do I even need to ask this question? If there were multiple government scholarships available, with some accepting disabled students, while others not (like in Singapore, where military-based overseas scholarships only accept those who have successfully undergone their national service programme), then my first question might have some purpose.

But the Malaysian Public Services Department (PSD), a.k.a. Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA), is the lone government agency offering overseas scholarships. It should be non-discriminatory to the highest extent. If there are no facilities available for special-needs top scorers, then make sure some are created.

Anyway, it seems that The Star’s coverage of Albert Wong - a 12 A1 student suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dysthrophy - has gotten the attention of various people “up there”, and JPA has finally decided to actually invite him for an interview. But is this merely a magic bullet? Will JPA bother to actively ensure that special-needs students are treated fairly from now on?