Disabled want more reps in councils

Saturday July 17, 2010

Disabled want more reps in councils
By STUART MICHAEL and FAZLEENA AZIZ

THE INDEPENDENT Living and Training Centre is disappointed with the Selangor government for appointing only three disabled representatives out of the 288 councillors for the state.

According to its president, Francis Siva, only Anthony Thanasayan, Alan Tan and Mesari Jasman were appointed as councillors to serve at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Klang Municipal Council (MPK) and the Kuala Langat District Council (MDKL) respectively.

Francis said the disabled community threw their support behind Pakatan Rakyat in 2008 thinking their grouses would be addressed but sadly their plight remained very much the same.

“We appealed to them to appoint at least one disabled councillor for each of the 12 local governments but our call fell on deaf ears,” said Francis, adding that only a disabled person would know about the problems faced by the group.

“There are many issues affecting the disabled group which have yet to be resolved. This includes problems such as proper access to toilets, ramps and walkways.

“The councils have not made any significant changes. They (Pakatan Rakyat) are treating us more like a charity organisation instead of giving us an opportunity to have a say in the council,” said Francis.

Meanwhile, Kota Damansara assemblyman Dr Nasir Hashim expressed disappointment that the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) representative had been dropped from the MBPJ line-up.

He said the issue had been brought up to Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and state chairman for local government Ronnie Liu.

Dr Nasir said Khalid took note of the matter and promised to resolve it while Liu gave his word that the PSM representative in MBPJ would not be removed.

“Similar incidents have also happened with the NGO representation in councils, where many local authorities had their NGO representatives replaced by political party members.

“We urge the Mentri Besar to keep his word and rectify the matter as soon as possible,” he said.

“We have given several names and if they are not happy with the nominees, they should have made it known to us,” he said.

Dr Nasir said he did not understand why PSM was overlooked this time around and hoped the state government would resolve the matter.

ILTC welcome continue to work closely with the Ministry

The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, better known by its Malay acronym, KPWKM, is a government ministry that is responsible determining the policies and direction to achieve the goals of gender equality, family development and a caring society in line with Malaysia's commitment towards the United Nations' Convention on Rights Of Persons With Disabilities.

We (ILTC) will continue to work closely with the Ministry for the betterment of the disabled people in Malaysia. I have attached a letter received from the Ministry.

Photos: Petition to Malaysian King DYMM Yang Dipertuan Agong on 11/7/2010 at 2.30pm for Royal Commission of Enquiry

Photos: Petition to Malaysian King DYMM Yang Dipertuan Agong on 11/7/2010 at 2.30pm for Royal Commission of Enquiry further to Article 93 of the Federal Constitution on the exclusion and segregation of especially the poor Indian students from being granted JPA Scholarships, PTPTN study loans, Matriculation and University places.

Hindraf Disabled Dissappointed too

The Human Rights Party's (HRP) attempts to submit a memorandum to the Agong today at the Istana met with disappointment as none of the palace representatives showed up to receive them.

Together with the HRP / HINDRAF activists and members, about 4 of the disabled join in the memorandum submission event, dissatisfied with the way the education system was implemented for the past 50 years is the main reason for them to be there supporting the action of the Human Rights Party Malaysia.