His determination to recover from the harrowing predicament so impressed Prime Minister Najib Razak, that the leader helped raise RM500,000, through a charity golf event.
The Star reported that Najib initiated and took part in the event organised by DRB-Hicom Bhd, and succeeded in raising RM407,000 for the 36-year-old father of two. Najib said the Government would top up the remainder.
“I hope to see him take up a career, probably as an instructor, to train more golfers in future. He will be an inspiration to all,” said Najib.
Shaaban, who is now undergoing rehabilitation, said he would focus on regaining the strength of his legs so he did not have to be wheelchair-bound.
“The tragedy changed my life as a professional touring golfer but I accepted it as a challenge for me not to give up. The Seri Selangor Gold Club asked me to start an academy, I will not reject the offer,” he was quoted as saying.
On March 31, the superbike Shaaban was riding, skidded, flinging him onto a road shoulder along the North-South Expressway. He had been on his way to training.
He suffered a broken left arm and broken left leg that was later amputated below the knee.