KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia have set a realistic target of 33 gold medals for the Asean Para Games in Phnom Penh from June 3-9.
The Malaysian contingent will comprise 144 athletes (116 men and 28 women) and 84 officials.
A total of 62 athletes will be competing for the first time at the Games.
Paralympic Council of Malaysia president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin said 429 gold medals are at stake in Phnom Penh.
"However, Malaysia will only compete in 136 events. After discussions, we have set a target of 33 gold, 51 silver and 58 bronze medals.
"I believe winning 33 gold will be enough to finish top four in the medal tally.
"We are expected to win most of our gold medals from swimming and athletics.
"It will be a bonus if we surpass the target," said Megat at the flag-handing ceremony in Bukit Jalil today.
Three Paralympic medallists, Abdul Latif Romly (long jump), Yazid Imran (shot put) and Cheah Liek Hou (badminton), will not feature in Phnom Penh.
"The trio are world-class athletes and need to focus on major events.
"Their absence will offer other Malaysian athletes a chance to win in their events."
Megat added that Malaysia will protest if hosts Cambodia field naturalised athletes.
Boccia athlete Angeline Melissa Anak Lawas is Malaysia's flag bearer.
Malaysia will compete in athletics, badminton, blind football, boccia, chess, goalball, judo, powerlifting, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair basketball in Phnom Penh.
At last year's Hanoi edition, Malaysia recorded a haul of 36-20-13 to finish fourth overall.