KUALA LUMPUR – For the first time, a choir comprising 27
autistic children performed to a full audience yesterday with their
rendition of Heal the world and You raise me up.

This feat was recorded in the Malaysia Book of Records as the
first autistic choir in the country.

The children, aged between seven and 13, were from the National
Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom).

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said the choir was
a great success because it came true.

“Most efforts for these children are often left to decay because
of inadequate support,” she said.

“I fully support efforts like these because it would raise the
public’s awareness towards autism.”

Ng said most people, especially school teachers were unable to
differentiate between a “naughty” and an autistic child.

“We must let the public know that autism is real and it exists.
Teachers must be trained to identify these special children so they
can take the right measures such as sending them to the right
centres.”

Nasom President Datuk Danny Tan said the choir was a commendable
feat.

“Getting together autistic children in a choir is not easy, but
they have proven that nothing is impossible if they put their
hearts to it.”

The choir also sang We are the world, I dream a dream and the
theme dance Malaysia, Truly Asia. -NST