Give due respect

Thursday March 3, 2011

Give due respect

The rights of the disabled should never be compromised.

MORE than a dozen persons with disabilities met up with Selangor state executive councillor Dr Xavier Jayakumar on Monday.

They were there to hand over a memorandum calling for the promotion of a caring government and an end to all forms of discrimination against people with disabilities.

The move came about after attempts by the authorities to forcibly move five hawkers from the Taman Megah market in Petaling Jaya to another place. The stall-holders included the elderly and a wheelchair-bound woman.

The memo handover was undertaken by several organisations for the disabled with the support of NGOs.

The groups condemned the attempt to move the five hawkers as blatant discrimination against vulnerable groups, calling it a total mockery of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which guarantees equal opportunities in employment for the handicapped in Malaysia.

They expressed shock and outrage that such an incident had happened when the official protocol document had been signed by Malaysia and ratified last July.

Cha Seak Nee, a trader from the Taman Megah market in Petaling Jaya, handing over a memorandum to state exco member Dr Xavier Jayakumar at the state secretariat building in Shah Alam.

The memorandum pointed out that the convention demanded not only accessibility for people with disabilities but also called for a paradigm shift in terms of attitude and approach towards them.

It radically shifted how people with disabilities are viewed – from objects of charity to being individuals with fundamental rights who are capable of making decisions for themselves, and who are active members of society.

The groups demanded an immediate end to the harassment of the stall-holders and that they be allowed to stay put in their spot unconditionally. They also called for a full investigation into those responsible for trying to get the disadvantaged hawkers out.

The disabled also took the opportunity to express what they wanted as citizens with disabilities.

These include:

> Please keep politics out: Slots designed for the handicapped and policies made for their benefit should be respected and protected so that no one can change them to suit their whims and fancies, or for their political gain.

> Special slots allotted to people with disabilities should always be located in the front where they are visible to everyone. They should also be given help to make a success of their businesses, especially when everyone knows that people with disabilities are at a disadvantage compared to others.

People with disabilities should not be hidden from society. They should not be required to use a different entrance at the back or the side of a building. Instead, they should have the use of the main entrance of a building that is accessed by the public.

Such affirmative action will safeguard the disabled person’s dignity and demonstrate sincerity in undertakings for the handicapped.

> Any decision affecting the disabled should actively involve the disabled themselves as they know best what is good, bad or unworkable for them. No politician, councillor or local council body has the right to make decisions for the disabled without consulting them, unless they are handicapped themselves.

> Educate the top brass: All ADUNs, politicians and even councillors should take it upon themselves to be educated on the rights and needs of the disabled and other marginalised communities.

The best way is to visit the handicapped in their homes or seek advice from the many NGOs in existence. Or better still, live in a home for the handicapped for at least a week – or try using a wheelchair or being blindfolded for seven days – to get an idea of what it is like to be in the shoes of the disabled.

This would greatly help them to stay focused on removing many of the unnecessary barriers in the paths of people with disabilities, and not add to them.

> The rights of minorities are just as important as the majority, and in some cases, the minorities deserve more attention.

> And never forget that disabled persons are voters, too. Their rights and needs should never be compromised for the benefit of the non-disabled. This is, without doubt, the hallmark of a caring government.

HRP's protest against Interlok

Melaka: Dr Azmi Sharom Part 1 of 4.

Let everybody insult each other,or not at all

Taman Megah market stalls issue hot topic at full board meeting

Taman Megah market stalls issue hot topic at full board meeting

NURUL HUDA JAMALUDDIN

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011 13:06:00

PETALING JAYA: The reallocation of trading spots in Taman Megah SS24 market stole the limelight at the PJ City Council full board meeting yesterday.

As had been reported by The Malay Mail last week, frozen food stall operator and wheelchair-bound Shirley Cha Shek Nee had complained her trading licence was not renewed because fellow traders had been eyeing her spot, which many viewed as being a prime location.

Her complaint was directed against councillor Tiew Way Kheng, who she claimed had discriminated against her, even though her original trading spot was allocated because it was near a wheelchair ramp.

Councillor Chan Chee Kong asked why the Taman Megah issue was not in the agenda and slammed the council for leaving him out of the loop.

"Any decision made by the council should be referred to the committee concerned," said Chan.

He also asked why disabled councillor Anthony Thanasayan, who had been championing disabled rights, was not consulted.

Thanasayan, who was also present, said the decision against Cha was clearly discriminatory.

"Why was I not consulted? As a disabled person for over 50 years, my view should be taken into consideration."

Calling for an investigation whether there was any misuse of power, Thanasayan said: "The disabled trader should be given priority.

She should never have been moved out from her spot.”

Tiew, however, said: "I am disheartened by this issue being brought up here. Why discuss the matter when it was not in the agenda? Procedures should be followed."

She also insisted there was no harassment involved and the matter was blown out of proportion.

In response, PJ mayor Datuk Roslan Sakiman said the issue would be discussed in a meeting on March 8, chaired by deputy mayor Puasa Md Taib.

"The meeting will include council's health, licensing and enforcement committees," said Roslan.

"The council will also be inviting traders involved to discuss the matter and reach an amicable solution. For the time being, all traders will stay put at their current spots.”

Asked whether disciplinary action would be taken against Tiew, Roslan said: "We can't make any decision without investigating and any disciplinary action will have to be referred to the State government first."

Hindraf protesters play cat-and-mouse game

Teoh El Sen, B Nantha Kumar and K Pragalath

| February 27, 2011

A Hindraf rally was foiled after police swoop down on its leaders and supporters, arresting more than 100.

VIDEO INSIDE

KUALA LUMPUR: Hindraf protesters today played a cat-and-mouse game with the police as they attempted to assemble sporadically at various spots around the city.

Their attempts were thwarted after police arrested 109 people, including Human Rights Party (HRP) pro tem secretary-general P Uthayakumar, HRP president and Hindraf coordinator W Sambulingan, Hindraf and HRP national adviser N Ganesan, information chief S Jayathas, Selangor chief K Selvam, Perak head P Ramesh and Kedah HRP chairman R Ramu.

However, police have released all of them in the late night.

City police chief Deputy Commissioner of Police Zulkifli Abdullah told FMT that they have been released in staggered stages.

He also denied that the number of supporters arrested was between 120 and 380 as claimed by Hindraf. “Do you believe our figures or theirs (Hindraf’s)?” he asked.

Meanwhile, despite the setback, Hindraf has claimed the protest was a “victory”.

“We are proud about our arrests. We don’t feel guilty. We just want justice, for the Interlok novel to be banned and racism to be stopped,” Sambulingam said, adding that he was assaulted by the police.

“We are innocent civilians without arms and we are gathering peacefully. Why do the police need to show their might?” he asked, adding that he was punched, pushed to the ground, kicked and stepped on before he was hauled in.

The protesters were supposed to have gathered at Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) at 9am this morning and march to the Dang Wangi police headquarters to lodge a police report against the government for Umno racism.

The demonstrators were also targeting the controversial Interlok novel for its derogatory remarks about the Indian community.

Earlier, reporters ran helter-skelter to capture the moments of drama as Indians, suspected to be protesters, were detained around the heavily guarded KLCC vicinity.

No one knew the actual number of Indians participating in the rally, but police said they were did not reach 500, contrary to the organisers estimation of over 2,000.

Many were arrested at the bus, taxi and railway stations before they could begin to organise themselves.

Roads sealed

Roads leading to KLCC were all sealed and roadblocks were erected in Jalan Ampang, Jalan Kepong, Jalan Cheras, Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Duta-Sungai Buloh Highway.

One of the protesters, Chandran, 45, from Klang, told reporters at the KLCC that several supporters have arrived but were unable to gather.

“Why is it so difficult to move around? We just want to be the voice of the Indian community,” he said, before being hauled away.

Uthayakumar himself was picked up at his residence at Pantai Hill Park Condominium at about 7.50am while the others were picked up later.

Malaysia Makkal Sakti Party (MMSP) president Kannan Ramasamy and several MMSP members were also detained.

However, a group of 30 people managed to assemble in front of the Australian High Commission at 10.15 am to protest against Interlok.

They were led by PKR members MS Arjunan (former Chenderiang PKR candidate), S Murali (Puchong division) and A Ponnusamy (Pahang deputy chief).

The protest march that did not take place in KLCC eventually took shape at Sri Kortumalai Pillaiyar temple, near Jalan Pudu, where about 300 gathered there at about 10.30am.

“To hell with (Deputy Federal Territories and Wellbeing Minister) M Saravanan,” said one protester, S Ramachandran, 36, who was referring to the MIC vice-president’s press statement in a Tamil daily asking police to arrest the protesters.

Among others, the protesters chanted slogans “Hapuskan Interlok” and “Jangan hina kaum India”.

‘Hounded like dogs’

Meanwhile, before Ganesan was arrested, he lambasted the authorities for cracking down on a peaceful protest. “We are hounded like dogs. We are not a threat to national security. Umno is the threat,” he said.

Ganesan also listed four demands: release all those detained, ban the Interlok novel, rescind the ban on Hindraf and abolish all racist policies.

There was also a small argument among the protesters at the temple as the organisers did not allow other protesters to put up their banners.

The protesters then marched to the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters off Jalan Hang Tuah.

A stand-off took place as the Federal Reserve Unit was ready to charge but spokesman A Thiruvenggadam negotiated with the city police deputy chief Amar Singh, who allowed them to sit down at the parking area.

The crowd then left for Jinjang to show support for Hindraf Makkal Sakti leaders detained there.

‘No respect for law’

Meanwhile, Zulkifli expressed disappointment over the conduct of the protesters.

“I am disappointed that they have been stubborn and have acted in this manner despite our advice to them to call off the protest,” said Zulkifli.

“This shows that they do not respect the law,” he added.

Zulkifli also said that police were aided by 13 Indian NGOs which helped dissuade many Indians from participating in the rally.

While under detention, the protesters were being investigated under Section 27(5) of the Police Act for illegal assembly and the leaders under Section 45(1) of the Societies Act 1966 for inciting people to become a member of an unlawful society. A reporter and a citizen journalist were investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing police.

Meanwhile, Hindraf legal adviser M Manoharan claimed that Jayathas was badly injured and unconscious when he last saw him.

“Jayathas and I were driving past the British Consulate and the police came and arrested him when he was speaking to some disabled protesters. There was a scuffle and I saw Jayathas falling to the ground and assaulted,” he said.

Manoharan said he also witnessed Uthayakumar’s arrest, adding that police had no grounds to arrest him.

Report by: K Pragalath, Teoh El Sen and B Nantha Kum

Gerai untuk OKU di Taman Megah kekal

Fazy Sahir

February 28, 2011

Exco Dr Xavier Jayakumar telah menghubungi Datuk Bandar Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) dan bercakap dengan beberapa individu berhubung perkara ini.

SHAH ALAM: Peniaga-peniaga Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) di pasar Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya kini mampu menarik lafaz lega apabila Exco Kerajaan Selangor Dr Xavier Jayakumar berjanji untuk mengekalkan ‘status quo’ bagi lot gerai di kawasan itu.

Xavier yang memegang portfolio Kesihatan, pekerja ladang, kemiskinan dan kerajaan prihatin berkata beliau telah menghubungi Datuk Bandar Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) dan bercakap dengan beberapa individu berhubung perkara ini.

Menurut beliau, masalah ini timbul hanya kerana salah faham dan berpendapat bahawa lot perniagaan di pasar itu perlu dikekalkan kepada golongan OKU.

“Perkara ini hanya satu salah faham dan orang yang terbabit tidak memahami fakta bahawa perkara ini dilakukan dengan cara yang baik.

“Mereka perlu undi untuk berniaga dan perkara ini telah dipersetujui oleh semua. Maka saya berpendapat bahawa kita perlu kekalkan status quo dan biarkan mereka meneruskan kerja. Saya akan berbincang secarta lanjut dalam mesyuarat exco,” katanya dalam pertemuan bersama peniaga OKU, Ahli Majlis MBSJ dan Badan Bukan Kerajaan (NGO).

Mereka hadir bagi menyerahkan memorandum yang membantah cadangan MBPJ untuk menukar lot peniaga-peniaga OKU terbabit.

Pada minggu lalu Ahli Majlis MBPJ Tiew Way Keng dilaporkan berkata cadangan penukaran itu disebabkan para peniaga dan pembeli mengadu berlaku masalah aliran trafik di barisan kedua lot pasar itu.

Menurut Tiew, para peniaga di barisan pertama dan kedua juga telah bersetuju untuk membuat pertukaran.

Sementara itu seorang peniaga OKU Cha Sher Nee,39, yang ditemui kesal dengan tindakan Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) terbabit dan mahu agar lot itu kekal miliknya.

Menurut Cha, beliau bukan mahu mengungkit masalah yang dihadapinya, namun tindakan penukaran itu membebankan beliau.

Cha yang mula berniaga makanan sejuk beku sejak tiga bulan lalu itu merupakan penghidap asthma.

“Saya belajar berdikari,cari rezeki dan pendapatan yang saya terima hanya RM100-200 sahaja,itu pun kalau perniagaan baik.

“Saya bukan mahu jadi bos tapi mahu orang normal tahu saya boleh cari makan sendiri. Saya ada hak untuk berniaga di lot yang sedia ada itu.

“Gerai itu dibina untuk orang seperti saya. Walaupun belum ada perjanjian untuk saya keluar,tapi saya harap lot gerai itu diberi kepada saya,” kata Cha mewakili empat rakan yang turut mengalami masalah sepertinya.

Dalam pada itu, Ahli Majlis MBPJ Anthony Siva Balan Thanasayan mahu ahli parlimen Petaling Jaya Utara Tony Pua dan Tiew memohon maaf ke atas kelima-lima mangsa OKU itu.

“Kami mahu siasatan dibuat ke atas Pua dan Tiew oleh kerajaan Selangor dan tindakan dikenakan jika didapati bersalah.

“Kami mahu deklarasi agar mangsa akan terus kekal berniaga tanpa sebarang diskriminasi oleh ahli parlimen,ahli majlis atau peniaga lain kerana niat tertentu,”katanya.