Human rights activist Zaiton dies

Thursday June 5, 2008

Human rights activist Zaiton dies

SHAH ALAM: Human and women’s rights activist Zaiton Kasim (pic) passed away at 5am yesterday, after months of battling cancer. She was 41.

Zaiton, affectionately known as Toni, died in her sleep at her sister’s home in Batu Tiga, Shah Alam.

She was laid to rest at 1pm at the Batu Tiga Muslim cemetery.

Her peers described her as “witty, passionate, a wonderfully caring person, one who had an infectious smile and a great sense of humour, a defender of human rights, and one whose heart and soul was in her advocacy”.

Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (Arrow) director Saira Shameem said she was “multi-diverse and a very strong lady”.

“She was involved in so many things – film, TV, drama, human rights advocacy, women’s rights, Islam, AIDS and so many other issues.

“Toni was the kind of person who never said no to any challenge, especially if it was about helping others,” she said.

Among the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) Zaiton was involved in was Sisters-in-Islam (SIS), Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), Joint Action Committee (JAC), Arrow and Women’s Candidacy Initiative (WCI), where she became the first independent woman candidate to run in the 1999 general election.

“She contested for the Selayang seat. She didn’t win, but she reduced the majority-vote by 30,000.

“She was planning to run again in the recent general election, but she was already ill then,” Saira said.

Zaiton was diagnosed with fourth-stage duodenal cancer in February, and underwent chemotherapy once. She also practised reiki as an alternative treatment.

Women’s Aid Organisation president Meera Samanther said the best thing about Zaiton was her ability to relate and reach out to the “everyday folks”.

“She had that knack and ability that not many people have,” she said.

SIS programme manager Norhayati Kaprawi said Zaiton’s passing was “a great loss to all of us”.

“Advocacy was her life,” she added.

Another burden for us, say the disabled

Thursday June 5, 2008

The Star - News

Another burden for us, say the disabled

PETALING JAYA: The disabled are unhappy with the fuel price increase because many of them, especially those who are wheelchair-bound, are also drivers and it is inconvenient for them to take public transport.

“The disabled, who are weighed down with expensive medical bills, will be further burdened with the increase in the price of petrol,” said Anthony Thanasayan, president of the Malaysian Animal Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association.

Some of the disabled pay RM300 a month in medical bills and a good wheelchair costs about RM5,000, he added.

He said the disabled spent a large portion of their income on petrol, adding that the association had repeatedly asked the Government for a RM500 monthly allowance for each disabled individual, but had yet to receive a positive answer.

“Now is as good a time as any for the Government to grant us this monthly allowance, considering the significant rise in the petrol price,” he said.

Three months on, Selangor councillors list still not finalised

Tuesday June 3, 2008

Three months on, Selangor councillors list still not finalised

THE Selangor government’s delay in finalising the list of councillors for the 12 local authorities in the state is causing unnecessary problems.

It has been almost three months since the general election yet the new list of 288 councillors for Selangor has yet to be finalised. StarMetro has learnt that all local authorities in Selangor were supposed to have conducted swearing-in ceremonies yesterday, but at the last minute, the state government called it off.

This is ridiculous. The councillors should have been sworn in at the end of April or May at the latest. We do not understand why the state government is delaying the announcement,” an officer in the Shah Alam City Council said on condition of anonymity.

Because of the delay, none of the local councils have held the monthly full board meetings, which are crucial for the day-to-day administration of the municipalities and city councils, the officer said, adding that even the standard committee meetings that require councillors, like finance, planning and infrastructure were not being held.

According to a state government official, the delay in the appointment of the councillors is due to the difficulty in coming to a mutual agreement on the allocation of seats between the Pakatan Rakyat members namely PKR, DAP and PAS.

“The appointment for those from the NGO and professional groups is straight-forward but for those from the political parties, it is quite problematic as three parties are still haggling on the number of councillors posts” the official said.

Among those who would be appointed as councillors are lawyers, NGO leaders, doctors, academics, journalists and retired government officials.

The official said lawyer Derek Fernandez, Malaysians Against the Discrimination of the Disabled coordinator Anthony Thanasayan and Independent Living and Training Centre secretary Gurdip Kaur are among those tipped to be appointed as local councillors.

“We need a diverse group of professionals and experts to lend their expertise to serve a society which demands not only prompt service from the local governments but also transparency and accountability for the use of ratepayers’ money,” the official said.

The list would also include ex-policemen, former magistrates and retired Anti-Corruption Agency officers.

The ratio of women serving in the councils would also be higher to reflect the Pakatan Rakyat government’s commitment to ensure women have an adequate say at the grassroots level.

Though the final list for the 288 local councillors to serve the 12 local authorities in Selangor is ready, last-minute lobbying, especially from politicians, has forced Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to delay the announcement.

More than 1,000 applications were received two months ago by the Selangor government to fill the posts.

SS2 Residents Association president Lim Theng Kau said the delay did not affect him but he was looking forward to the announcement.

Resident Jack Nadarajah said the new state government seemed to be taking a long time to announce the list of councillors.

“Though it is important to appoint the best, the state government should not delay naming the councillors as it may affect the overall running of the councils, “ said Nadarajah

Malaysiakini: A BIG BOUQUET TO SULTAN OF SELANGOR

Monday, June 02, 2008

Malaysiakini: A BIG BOUQUET TO SULTAN OF SELANGOR

Today's Malaysiakini Letter:

The Malaysian Animal-assisted Therapy for the Disabled and the Elderly Association (PetPositive) would like to applaud the Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah from the bottom of our hearts for his most timely call to make our public gardens friendly to all Malaysians with handicaps.

The sultan mentioned the disabled’s plight when he ordered the Klang Royal Garden landscape consultant - Tajul Landart - to scrap a number of items costing RM7.5mil, saying it was a waste of public funds.

The fact that the Selangor Sultan stopped to consider the needs of the handicapped when most people and local governments seem to only care about development at any cost shows what a truly caring leader Tuanku is.

His timely call and forward-thinking view will contribute significantly to how people will view the handicapped from now on. They should never be seen as persons who are punished by God, or as ‘patients’, ‘sick persons’ or ‘charity cases’ for the rest of their lives.

Taking the cue from our royalty, people can now start to see disabled Malaysians as also equal citizens who should be given the same rights and facilities to enjoy public recreational parks like others.

All recreational parks should be completely wheelchair-friendly and must provide disabled- friendly toilets. Playgrounds for children must be made with special facilities that disabled children can also use them. (Such facilities are commonly available overseas and our local governments should make an effort to bring them here too.)

Wheelchairs should also be provided for persons with walking difficulties or the elderly who may require them. Special consideration should also be given to pets that play a positive role in the lives of disabled persons. Recreational parks that currently disallow dogs and other animals should be willing to make exceptions to their rule.

Dogs can help the blind find their way about independently. They can help wheelchair-users to by pulling them along. They can help epileptics when they have an attack, by warning them of an oncoming attack and staying by their side until the episode is over. Canines are also a deterrent for crime and provide comfort and happiness for the elderly.

The writer is president, PetPositive.

Self Defence Workshop

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

SELF DEFENCE WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN/GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES held on 20th - 23rd May 2008 organized by National Sports Council of Malaysia at Commonwealth Hall, Bukit Jalil.

10 ILTC members were invited to participate to the above event.
Lydia Ia Riviere Zijdel is a head of Instructor for Karate and Aikido (born in the Netherlands) is active with the Disability Women's Movement.

Lydia is active with disabled women in practice in sports. She has taught over the past 20 years more than 7,000 disabled girls and women self-defence martial arts, empowerment and mobility and survival trainings.

ILTC members had an opportunities to learn basic-techniques of how to self defence themselves.


For the past 4 days training in different self defence techniques that will be used in the Physical Training: wheelchair techniques, crutch-techniques, techniques with blind stick, How to work with learning disabled women.


In this workshop, Gurdip Kaur @ Rina said, she has learned many techniques how to defence herself. It was very interesting workshop whereby every disabled women should be participate in up coming event in November 2008 in Malaysia.

Consultant told to scrap frills in royal garden project

The Star - Metro
Home > Metro > Central

Tuesday May 27, 2008

Consultant told to scrap frills in royal garden project
Story and photos by EDWARD RAJENDRA

SELANGOR Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has ordered the Klang Royal Garden landscape consultant Tajul Landart to scrap two arches, a minaret, watch tower, souvenir kiosk and decorative lightings costing RM7.5mil, saying it was a waste of public funds.

Sultan Sharafuddin who is known for his no-nonsense attitude, ticked off the consultant for proposing the lavish frills that pushed the 6.3ha public garden project to an exorbitant RM11mil.

Now it cost just RM3.5 mill after the unnecessary frills were erased from the plan.

The Sultan had advised the consultants, National Landscape Department and Klang Municipal Council's Garden and Recreation Department director Muhammad Hijaz Sanusi to create a garden with a soul.

Hijaz said the Sultan devotes his time to givevaluable inputs so that the people can enjoy an urban oasis within the hustle and bustle of the township.

The Klang Royal Garden, scheduled to be open to the public in October this year, is sandwiched between Jalan Tengku Kelana, Jalan Istana Baru and Jalan Istana.

Part of it can be seen opposite the Our Lady of Lourdes Church where a fountain built a few years ago would be retained as part of the landscape together with the 80-year-old rainforest trees.

“The Sultan also wants the garden area friendly for the physically challenged.

Garden with a soul: Part of the Klang Royal Garden with the designated children’s playground (left) and fountain.

“People are going to love this green area as it will have a jogging track, gazebo, two open air plazas, outdoor fitness station, children's playground and park benches,” Hijaz added.

He said the garden would have about 18 species of flowering and fruit trees.

“Among the tree species to be planted are African Tulip, Tekoma, Putat and Tembusu. (These trees were chosen as Tuanku as he wanted trees that are easily maintained and attract birds,” he said.

The Star - Lifestyle
Home > Lifestyle > Focus

Thursday May 29, 2008

Taking flight

Wheel PowerBy ANTHONY THANASAYAN

It is getting easier for disabled persons to travel by air but this does not mean that all flights are problem-free.

IT HAS been sometime since I last travelled in an aeroplane. Most of my experiences in an aircraft, both local and overseas, have been positive ones, except for an occasional glitch.

Once I was wheeled all the way to the entrance of the aircraft, only to be stopped in my tracks and asked by the crew to get out of my wheelchair and walk to my cabin seat. For those who are unaware, regular wheelchairs are too big to fit into the narrow aisles of the aircraft.

Normally, disabled passengers at the check-in counters are asked to switch wheelchairs and get into the airport’s specially-designed compact ones which can negotiate the narrow cabin space.

I do not blame the poor fellows for asking me to do the impossible. There are many people who use wheelchairs but they are able to walk. They use wheelchairs because of old age or difficulty in walking long distances.

Having said that, it would be a good idea for airlines to take the trouble to find out the level of handicap of each disabled passenger before they board the plane. This would save both the crew and disabled passengers, a great deal of awkwardness and embarrassment.

Some of the customer care staff who answer the telephone are not knowledgeable about available services for disabled passengers.

Last weekend, I rang up a local airline and enquired about a flight that I wanted to take from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. When the officer heard that I was in a wheelchair, she said there was no way I could travel by myself.

“You have to get someone to accompany you because our airlines will not provide any assistance for you,” she said.

When I asked her if she was absolutely sure about her facts, she gave me a totally different response when she came back on the line after making me wait for 15 minutes.

Though it is getting easier for disabled persons to travel by air, thanks to increasing awareness about their specific needs, it does not mean that all flights are problem-free. Some airlines charge the handicapped for the use of wheelchairs and other assistive devices.

Others come up with unfair policies that require disabled passengers to sign permission and indemnity forms before they can travel.

Well-known disability organisations like the Canadian-based Disabled People’s International (DPI) highlighted these concerns recently by pointing out that airlines that resorted to such practices lacked respect and appreciation for what the disabled have to go through in life.

Quoting New Delhi’s aviation ministry as a good example, DPI pointed out the new rules that took effect on May 7. The Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) states that “airlines and airports must provide wheelchairs or other assistive devices free of cost to users.”

It is now mandatory for every airport operator to make appropriate provisions, including ambulifts, to enable disabled passengers to embark or disembark without inconvenience.

DPI went on to say that airlines have also been asked not to turn away a passenger with a disability. They have been told “not to insist on medical clearance or special forms unless they have information that the passengers suffer from some contagious disease or would require attention during flight to maintain their health.”

The DPI also included a report from the Times of India that the handicapped who use service dogs will now be able to have their companions travel with them on the plane, without charge.

The rule only applies to canines that guide humans “with disability and/or reduced mobility”.

The animal, however, needs to be well-trained in order not to inconvenience other passengers.

BBC ONLINE: UN Disability Treaty

Saturday, May 31, 2008

BBC ONLINE: UN Disability Treaty

At-a-glance: UN disability treaty

The UN is expected to agree a new treaty giving greater rights to disabled people around the world.

Here is an at-a-glance guide to the draft United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities:

• Participating countries to change laws and ban discriminatory customs and practices


• Disabled people to have an equal right to life


• Equal rights for disabled women and girls


• Protection for children with disabilities


• A right to own and inherit property, to control financial affairs and have equal access to financial services


• Disabled people not to be deprived of their liberty "unlawfully or arbitrarily"


• Medical or scientific experiments without consent to be banned


• An end to enforced institutionalisation


• Freedom from exploitation, violence and abuse


• A right to privacy and access to medical records


• Countries to remove barriers to accessing the environment, transport, public facilities and communication


• A right to independent living


• Essential equipment to be made affordable


• A right to an adequate standard of living and social protection


• An end to discrimination relating to marriage, family and personal relationships


• Equal access to education


• An end to discrimination in the job market


• A right to equal participation in public life


• A right to participate in cultural life


• Developing countries to be assisted to put the convention into practice
  

End

Malaysiakini: Stop Exploiting The Disabled

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Malaysiakini: Stop Exploiting The Disabled

QUICK COMMENT: Here is our interview with Malaysiakini. We sincerely hope that Parliament House will finally get the message! And that is, stop exploiting the disabled for your own ends!

aNtPET+BLOGSPOT

From Malaysiakini today

BE ASHAMED, DISABLED ACTIVIST TELLS PARLIAMENT SPEAKER

Disability activist Anthony Thanasayan has expressed shock and disappointment on comments made by Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia on rights’ group actions using the parliament lobby to garner support.

“I’m sad and I can’t believe he has the audacity to make such remarks,” said Anthony, coordinator of Malaysians Against Discrimination of the Disabled (Madd).

On Thursday, the House speaker said the lobby is a place for parliamentarians to work and not for groups to voice their political agendas.

He also noted that all political matters should to be dealt outside the Parliament.

One event that came under fire from the speaker was the birthday celebration of Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) chairperson P Waythamoorthy's daughter W Vwaishhnnavi, 6, on May 21.

The speaker also raised concerns over the presence of Madd representatives on May 8 demanding an apology from Pasir Mas MP Ibrahim Ali for comments targeted at wheelchair bound Karpal Singh, DAP chairperson and Bukit Gelugor MP.

Highlighting the lax security in Parliament, the speaker said he would be writing to all political party leaders to make sure certain such events are not repeated.

Responding to this, Anthony opined: “It’s despicable to say children and handicapped people are a security threat.

“What's more patronizing is to say we were used by the opposition for their own cause. If you are a decent human being, you would never resort to use other people’s weaknesses,” he said emphasising the opposition did not influence Madd’s appearance in Parliament.

“Does he think we have no brains? He should know we have more brains than him. We will not allow others to use us for their political mileage.

“They (Pakatan Rakyat) were the only ones to approach us and converse with us. Not the Barisan representatives. Parliament should give voiceless masses a chance to voice out, not reprimand us,” he added.

Other issues also raisedHe stressed Parliament should hurry the amendment of Persons with Disabilities Act 2007 to include penalties against those who breach its provisions.

“Currently the act is made up of sweet words but nothing in there is effective,” he said.

Anthony also raised various other issues such as the absence of designated parking lots and lack of appropriate amenities in Parliament for disable persons.

“Parliament should be ashamed, our legislative assembly is a disgrace. The ramp used by those who are wheelchair bound is equivalent to the ones used to (deliver) goods.

“Even shopping malls have better facilities catered to the handicapped,” he said.

During the past weeks since Parliament started, civil society groups have used the august house to highlight their grouses and host various gatherings.

These include women’s rights, Malaysian Trade Union Congress and the migration working group.

End

Hypermarket chain offers jobs to handicapped

Wednesday May 21, 2008

Metro
Home > Metro > Central

Hypermarket chain offers jobs to handicapped
By MEERA DEVI DARAN

CARREFOUR Malaysia is extending a hand to the disabled community by offering jobs.

The move is in line with the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme that seeks to create equality in the workplace by putting an end to the prejudice and discrimination often experienced by the disabled community.

A registration counter was set up in Carrefour's head office in Subang Jaya recently to invite the disabled for interviews. By the end of the day, 28 disabled people had submitted their resumes.

Carrefour Malaysia/Singapore managing director Shafie Shamsuddin said the company would adapt to the needs of the disabled so that they could perform tasks within their capacity.

More opportunities: Shafie (centre) speaking to a potential employee while Ras Adiba (right) looks on

Also present at the gathering were Carrefour Malaysia public relations and CSR director Ras Adiba Radzi, human resource director Fauzi Hassan, marketing and communications director Sivakumar Haridass and representatives of Malaysian associations for the disabled.

The employment programme is a collaborative effort with associations such as The Bravehearts of K9, a non-governmental organisation that supports people with spinal cord injuries, the Independent Training Living Centre, the Society of the Orthopaedically Handicapped, Persatuan Orang-orang Pekak Malaysia, and Persatuan Keluarga dan Interaksi Orang Kurang Upaya.

Referring to the challenges faced by disabled people, Shafie spoke at length about personal mobility and the psychological barrier that existed between the handicapped and the society.

“We hire talented people for their abilities, not their disabilities,” said Shafie.

He went on to say that his experiences in working with the disabled had taught him that society was underutilising the resources available.

Carrefour Malaysia targets a minimum of 5% employment for the handicapped by the year 2012.

The multinational company has a staff strength of 4,000, of whom 21 have physical disabilities.

To achieve its vision of a level playing field for the disabled, the company will design a two-week adaptation programme for new employees and allocate funds from the Carrefour Foundation to provide adequate transport facilities for those in need.

Applications may be made to the Director of Human Resource, No. 3 Jln SS 16/1, 47100 Subang Jaya, Selangor or via e-mail to talentmy@carrefour.com. For more details, visit Carrefour's website at http://www.carrefour.com/.

SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT MR SENATOR!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

MALAYSIA'S FIRST DISABLED SENATOR Prof Dr Ismail Mohd Salleh, should have shown his support for YB Karpal Singh in Parliament instead of remaining silent.

This was what more than half of readers opined in a PET+BLOGSPOT POLL recently.

They were reacting to the incident in April 30 last month when the DAP leader - in a wheelchair - was ridiculed by two Members of Parliament when they asked why he did not stand up first before addressing the House.

One of the MP is an Independent whilst the other is from Barisan.

The incident infuriated the disabled community - including Petpositive. It led the Society to jointly organise a memorandum handing-over event in Parliament House on the eighth of this month.

In an interview with Malaysiakini, Ismail who is also adviser to the Prime Minister on matters regarding the disabled, commented that what had happened to Karpal was not a disabled issue.

His response has been condemned by Petpositive and the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) in Rawang, Selangor. Both leaders of the NGOs are longtime wheelchairs users.

"It is a disgrace that of all persons, a disabled senator, should say such a thing," said Anthony Thanasayan, leader of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association."

Ismail should vacate his position immediately and let someone else represent our needs in Parliament," echoed Francis Siva, president of the self-help support NGO ILTC.

Thirty three percent of the voters thought that Ismail who is also president of the Malaysian Association for the Blind, should speak up more for concerns of disabled people in Malaysia.

And equal number of respondents also called for his immediate resignation over the Karpal issue.
They said his silence and lackadaisical attitude proved that he was inept for his position.

Some accused him of being only concerned about the blind.However, PET+BLOGSPOT has received complaints from a number of blind individuals who say that Ismail has yet to raise any of their issues at all since his appointment as senator on December 19 of last year.

Only two voters thought that Ismail was doing a good job and that he should continue doing what he is currently doing.PETPOSITIVE SAYS: Well, dear Senator, as they say, you better shape up real soon or get ready to ship out!

aNtPET+BLOGSPOT

Rodziah Ismail And The Disabled

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Rodziah Ismail And The Disabled

QUICK COMMENT: PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES have always been campaigning for their right to be included in matters involving them.

Last Thursday, seven representatives from two well-known societies for the disabled (and the elderly) met up with the newly appointed Selangor welfare, women’s affairs, science, technology and innovation committee chairman Rodziah Ismail to highlight their concerns.

The one-hour meeting held in Shah Alam was initiated by Petpositive and coordinated by the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) in Rawang, Selangor.

Raising the awareness of the disabled and elderly among local councils is one of the objectives of Petpositive.

We also highlighted the usefulness of animal-assisted therapy for handicapped and elderly people to YB Rodziah Ismail.

She was very receptive to the idea and pointed out to us that she had several cats of her own which play a therapeutic role in her life.

Petpositive was represented by Anthony Thanasayan and Captain Abdul Karim Stuart Russell.

From the ILTC were Francis Siva (president), Gurdip Kaur (secretary), and three other members.

Immediately after our meeting, Star reporter Jade Chan conducted her interview with the YB.

Here is her report that came out on StarMetro on Saturday:

aNtPET+BLOGSPOT

Meeting with Selangor Welfare, Women's Affairs, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee Chairman Y.B. Rodziah Ismail

Saturday, May 17, 2008

SELANGOR welfare women's affairs science, technology and innovation committee chairman Y.B. Rodziah Ismail have invited two disabled organization (Petpositive & ILTC) leaders to have further discussion on relevent issues on disabilities in state of Selangor on 15th May 2008 at her office in Shah Alam.

The main issues of this meeting to proposed and include a proper representative from the disabled group in the councillor line up for Selangor - OKU representative.

We hope that, the NGO's representative candidates will represent the disabled as well.

We had shared our sincere views and expectation to YB. for more than 45 minutes successfully.

Disabled rep in councillor line-up proposed

The Star - Metro
Home > Metro > Central

Saturday May 17, 2008

Disabled rep in councillor line-up proposed
By JADE CHAN

SELANGOR welfare, women’s affairs, science, technology and innovation committee chairman Rodziah Ismail is proposing to include a representative from the disabled group (orang kurang upaya or OKU) in the councillor line-up for Selangor.

In fact, she has already come up with 15 names

“Ideally, there should be an OKU representative in each councillor line-up.

“If there aren't enough qualified candidates, the next best would be a representative from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that represents the OKU group.

“My focus right now is to start with the local governments in urban areas like Petaling Jaya City Council, Shah Alam City Council, Subang Jaya Municipal Council, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council and Klang Municipal Council, followed by those in rural areas,” she said.

Rodziah said a trip to a fast food chain sparked the idea for her proposal.

Though the outlet provided a ramp and parking space for the disabled, she said that the ramp was steep and slippery, and the parking space was too far from the outlet's entrance.

“We want to educate the local governments to not only have disabled-friendly facilities, but to make sure these infrastructure can be used effectively and benefits the OKU,” said Rodziah.

“What the people must understand is that the OKU is not asking for sympathy. They want to be independent and most prefer to function unaided.”

Among the requirements Rodziah said she looked into are the candidates' background, resume and ability to speak up on behalf of the OKU.

• According to her, the representative's role in the council includes:
  acting as a pressure group for new project developments to meet certain code of ethics and OKU specifications


• finding out the places that are the focus of OKUs (buildings, recreational places, markets, medical centres, banks) and evaluating its facilities


• reviewing all existing facilities for the OKU and restructuring them if necessary, while making sure they're properly utilised
  
• looking into setting a community centre that caters to the OKU's needs, including an IT centre and library.

“There is a lot of infrastructure to look into, including roads, ramps, lifts, public transport and guide blocks for the blind.

“Besides catering for the disabled, having such facilities would also benefit senior citizens and people with temporary injuries that limit their mobility.

“I have personally interviewed the potential candidates to evaluate their capabilities, but I would've preferred a longer time frame to select the best among the best,” said Rodziah, adding that the candidates were sourced from submitted applications and recommendations.

She said both the Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and Selangor local government, research and study committee chairman Ronnie Liu are supportive of the idea.

“I've already submitted the 15 names to Ronnie's office, and we'll be having our final discussion next week.

“Once they're selected for the local councils, we'll have ongoing discussions and work with engineers to develop the best facilities for them.

“I'll also review their performance from time to time.“

Treaty a step forward for the disabled

Thursday May 15, 2008

The Star - News - Letters

Treaty a step forward for the disabled

THE Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive) joins hands with all disabled Malaysians and organisations committed to their cause in and outside the country to welcome the coming into force of the Convention of Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

The landmark treaty that was adopted two years ago was made available for signatures in March of last year. With Ecuador being the 20th nation to ratify the significant agreement last month, the CRPD took effect on May 3.

We are especially thrilled that Malaysia, also signed the document in New York last month.

By doing so, our Government has taken the first all-important step to keep up with its promise and determination to improve the quality of life of all Malaysians with disabilities.

However, there are two more significant steps for Malaysia to take with utmost urgency.

We have to ratify; and then implement the CRPD treaty, carefully seeing to it that the “Optional Protocol” section is accepted without conditions or changes.

The Optional Protocol provides disabled people a means of redress for individuals or groups who feel that their government has violated the convention and where national remedies have been exhausted.

It is only after this that our disabled citizens can truly, fully and finally enjoy the rights and dignity that our society has long denied them.

The CRPD will finally provide the 650 million handicapped people around the globe and in Malaysia what they have been asking all their lives: a chance to go to school, find jobs, get married, raise a family and retire peacefully like everyone else.

Petpositive urges all political parties in both the Barisan Nasional and the Pakatan Rakyat to do everything in their power to make this a reality for disabled Malaysians who have been left out of our mainstream society for far too long.

Here and now is the chance for us all to prove to the world and our society that we really care for our disabled citizens!

ANTHONY SIVA BALAN THANASAYAN,
President,
The Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association.

ILTC SLAMS MPC FOR BEING DISABLED-UNFRIENDLY

Thursday, May 15, 2008

ILTC SLAMS MPC FOR BEING DISABLED-UNFRIENDLY

Disappointed with Malaysian Paralympic Council - During Closing Ceremony.

Now Is The Time To Bring Changes............

Comment From President of ILTC.

[Tetraplegic Francis Siva, right, with his companion/assistance helper Dusty, the Golden Retriever.]

A group of 10 ILTC members were invited to the closing ceremony of the Paralimpiad Malaysia XIV Kuala Lumpur which was held from May 3 to May 9, 2008 at the Bukit Jalil stadium.

On behalf of ILTC, we very much disappointed with organizing committee due to their poor hospitality such as not having enough of volunteers in the stadium.

Also the lift was out of order and etc, making it very inconvenient to the disabled.

As President of ILTC, I would like to give my comment on that day.

My disabled friends and I had to push our wheelchairs one corner to another corner of the stadium. We were looking for volunteers to help us but we could not find anyone.

In the stadium the entrance road towards the hall was too dangerous for the disabled. Sad to say that, the organizing committee did not take proper care with the accessibility.

Top winners: Jeanne posing for a photo with Mohd Zamry (left) and Catherine, the Sportsman and Sportswoman Award winners, as Malaysian Paralympic Council president Datuk Zainal Abu Zarin (right) looks on.

The Malaysian Paralympic Council did not understand the basic needs of the disabled.

I had observed personally on the day that most disabled athletes could not speak for themselves.

I hope that, the president for the Malaysian Paralympic Council , Datuk Zainal Abu Zarin must be very careful in organizing such a event in future.

ILTC hopes that the council should appoint disabled persons to sit in their executive council.

The disabled persons may have new ideas which could be of help to the council to ensure that they are comprehensive in all aspects of accessibility and people-friendly features.

Mr. Francis Siva

President ILTC

UN celebrates disability treaty

UN celebrates disability treaty
By Geoff Adams-Spink Age & disability correspondent, BBC News website
____________________________________________________

The UN is celebrating the coming into force of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) - a landmark agreement that aims to give the world's 650m disabled people full equality.

Adopted in 2006, and opened for signature in March last year it took effect on 3 May a month after the 20th nation ratified it - in this case Ecuador.

This is fast, officials say, reflecting the commitment of some nations to the treaty's goals, as well as pressure from the disability lobby.

It is estimated that about 10% of the world's population lives with some sort of disability - making disabled people the world's largest minority.

This figure is likely to increase as a result of medical advances and the world's ageing population, according to the World Health Organisation.

Disabled people experience a number of social, cultural and economic barriers which the convention aims to address.

For example, the World Bank estimates that 20% of the poorest people on the planet have a disability.

Disabled women are said to be "multiply disadvantaged" because they experience exclusion on account of their gender and their impairment.

In some countries, disabled child mortality is as high as 80% even when the general level of mortality for the under fives has dropped below 20%. And almost one in five of less educated people has a disability compared with just over one in 10 of those who are better educated.

The CRPD guarantees disabled people:

• The right to make their own decisions


• The right to say No to being placed in an institution
  
• The right to say No to medical or psychological treatment
  
• The right to live in the community


• The removal of barriers to participation in daily life


• Equal opportunities for all

At-a-glance: UN disability treaty

So far some 25 countries have ratified the convention - starting with Jamaica in March last year.
'Reservations'

The largest nations that have already ratified it include India, Mexico, the Philippines and South Africa.

Spain, Hungary and Slovenia are the only EU nations on the list so far.

Some countries will ratify the CRPD "with reservations" - in other words opting out of certain sections of it.

For instance, disability campaigners in the UK are critical of their government's "reservations" on residential care, segregating education, employment in the armed forces and freedom of movement for disabled people with regard to nationality and immigration.

"We are seriously concerned that the government appears to be proposing to ratify a watered-down version," said Andy Rickell of pan-disability charity, Scope.

Mr Rickell says the government should not have an "a la carte" approach to the human rights of disabled people.

The British government says that it intends to ratify the CRPD by the end of this year.

"We cannot ratify the convention until we are in a position to ensure that we can fulfil our obligations by implementing the provisions in full," said UK disability minister, Anne McGuire.

"There are still a number of issues that need to be clarified and we cannot ratify it until these have been settled."

The CRPD also has an "Optional Protocol" which provides a means of redress for individuals or groups who feel that their government has violated the convention and where national remedies have been exhausted.

To date, 15 countries have signed the protocol - the UK government says it, too, intends to do so.

For disability rights campaigners, the next step is now clear.

"The global disability community continues to call on all governments to promptly sign, ratify and implement the CRPD and its Optional Protocol without any reservations or declarations," said Lex Grandia of the International Disability Alliance.

Karpal incident not a disabled issue? - Malaysiakini

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Karpal incident not a disabled issue? - Malaysiakini

QUICK COMMENT FORM PETPOSITIVE:

What do you think about the disabled senator's comments in Malaysiakini?

Do you think that what happened to MP Karpal Singh has nothing to do with him being disabled?

In other words, can our MPs have a free reign to insult disabilities of any MPs without sanctions?

Do you think that MADD was wrong to take up the issue of discrimination in Parliament?

Do you think that the disabled senator is fit to hold his position in representing the needs of all disabled Malaysians?

Tell us! Please share you thoughts with us in the COMMENTS section at the bottom of this page.Also, be sure to give us your views on our special poll on the right sidebar at the top of this page.

from aNtPET+BLOGSPOT

Disabled senator: I'm doing my best

Malaysiakini story:

Visually impaired senator Dr Ismail Md Salleh today defended himself saying that he is doing his best in representing persons with disabilities.

However, he said certain quarters may have "different views" about this.

Ismail was responding to the Malaysians Against the Discrimination of the Disabled (MADD) who asked why the senator had kept silent on the discriminatory remarks made against wheelchair-bound DAP stalwart Karpal Singh in the Dewan Rakyat.

MADD also staged a protest in Parliament yesterday demanding an apology from Barisan Nasional MP Bung Mokhtar Radin and Independent MP Ibrahim Ali.

While Bung had challenged Karpal 'to stand up' during a heated exchange in the House, Ibrahim had criticised the DAP veteran for not seeking permission to address the House while seated.

Responding, Ismail said: "I don’t think they should make an issue about this. Karpal just happens to be disabled and it has nothing to do with the disabled."

Karpal became partially paralysed following a car accident two years ago.

'Toothless tiger'

Ismail also rebutted criticism that "nothing is happening" in relation to the Persons with Disabilities Act with regards to the rights of the disabled since the former was appointed senator.
The criticism came from Independent Living and Training Centre president G Francis Siva, who was present at yesterday’s protest.

"There are a lot of standard operation procedures to be taken," explained Ismail, adding that the Act is still in the process to be gazetted.

"We are waiting for the Ministry to get it done," he said.

The groups should wait until the 26th or 27th of this month when the Parliamentary session is over to get a decision, he added.

Ismail, who is also an adviser for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on disability issues, stressed that critics should not "question my capabilities."

However, MADD’s legal adviser N Surendran dismissed the Act, which was passed last December, as a "toothless tiger."

"It is a cosmetic attempt by the government to pretend that they are actually doing something for the disabled," he told a press conference in Parliament yesterday.

MADD also submitted a memorandum to Oppositon Leader and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail for the Act to be amended to include penalties against those who breach its provisions.

Disabled support: Yen Yen right on track

Friday, 09 May, 2008

Letters From MalaysiaKini

Disabled support: Yen Yen right on track
Anthony Siva Balan Thanasayan

We refer to issues affecting the disabled reported in the media recently.

We are most delighted to learn that Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen is setting up a special task force to get handicapped Malaysians employed in the private sector.

The minister is spot on in her new mission; especially in ensuring that people with disabilities will also be key players in the special body. All over the world the disability movement is asking for exactly this: that disabled people be included in any matters that involve them. However, it doesn’t only end there.

The minister must be very careful with whom she chooses. The special representatives must come from a wide and varied background in order for her task force to be effective. For example, a person with a spinal injury, for instance, will not be able to fully understand the needs of someone with Parkinson’s disease or some other neurological condition although they may both use wheelchairs for mobility.

The disabled NGOs invited to participate must possess a good track record in fulfilling their objectives and not ‘sleeping ones’ that have hardly made any difference in the lives of their members that they are supposed to serve. And it is vital that their work must involve the disabled poor in rural areas.

One good organisation to work with is the Independent Living and Training Centre in Rawang Selangor. This non-profit society is run by disabled people themselves, headed by a tetraplegic.

The writer is president, Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (PetPositive).

OKU desak dua Ahli Parlimen mohon maaf

Article From Berita Harian

Friday, 09 May 2008

OKU desak dua Ahli Parlimen mohon maaf

AHLI kumpulan yang dikenali Rakyat Malaysia yang Menentang Diskriminasi Terhadap Orang Kurang Upaya (MADD) menggesa Ahli Parlimen Pasir Mas, Datuk Ibrahim Ali supaya menarik balik apa yang mereka sifatkan sebagai 'kata-kata yang menghina' terhadap Karpal Singh (DAP - Bukit Jelutong) apabila beliau meminta Pengerusi DAP yang berkerusi roda itu berdiri ketika bercakap dalam Dewan Rakyat. Ibrahim meminta maaf kepada kumpulan berkenaan, tetapi bertegas enggan meminta maaf kepada Karpal. Pertengkaran tercetus di lobi Parlimen, semalam apabila sekumpulan orang kurang upaya bersemuka dan mendesak Ibrahim

NASIONAL

OKU desak dua Ahli Parlimen mohon maaf

DRAMA meletus di lobi Parlimen semalam apabila sekumpulan Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) berkumpul meminta dua Ahli Parlimen, Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Bebas-Pasir Mas) dan Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan), memohon maaf kerana menganggap kata-kata mereka dalam Dewan Rakyat sebagai menghina dan memperkecilkan golongan itu.

Suasana lobi Parlimen yang sememangnya agak sibuk sejak sesi Dewan Rakyat mula bersidang minggu lalu, menjadi bertambah kecoh tengah hari semalam apabila lebih 50 wakil golongan itu yang menamakan kumpulan mereka, Pertubuhan Rakyat Malaysia Menentang Diskriminasi OKU (MADD), meninggikan suara meminta Ibrahim dan Bung Mokhtar supaya tampil bersemuka dengan mereka.

Kemarahan kumpulan itu berpunca daripada tindakan Ibrahim pada Selasa minggu lalu yang meminta Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor), yang berkerusi roda kerana lumpuh akibat kemalangan pada 2005, untuk berdiri ketika berucap atau mencelah untuk bercakap di Dewan Rakyat.

Keadaan yang sama juga ditujukan kepada Bung Mokhtar yang dikatakan mengeluarkan perkataan yang agak kesat seperti mengejek dengan mengatakan Karpal sebagai `big monkey' (monyet besar), serta mencabar Karpal dengan berkata, "kalau berani bangunlah".

MADD menerusi jurucakapnya, Anthony Thanasayan, yang mendakwa hadir ke Parlimen atas kemahuan sendiri, terus mendesak Ibrahim dan Bung Mukhtar memohon maaf dan mereka bersedia menerimanya jika ia dilakukan secara ikhlas dan jujur, tanpa sebarang syarat.

Walaupun menafikan kehadiran mereka tidak dikaitkan dengan mana-mana parti politik, kehadiran beberapa Ahli Parlimen daripada Pakatan Rakyat (PR) termasuk Presiden Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, Loh Gwo Burne (PKR-Kelana Jaya), Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) dan Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong) yang berdiri di belakang kumpulan itu, memberi gambaran sebaliknya.

Kekecohan itu menarik perhatian wakil rakyat lain dan ada yang menganggap ia tidak sepatutnya berlaku kerana boleh menimbulkan anggapan tidak manis apabila lobi Parlimen dijadikan gelanggang untuk membawa kumpulan tertentu bagi kepentingan agenda sesetengah pihak. Kumpulan OKU itu turut membawa sepanduk yang antaranya tertulis 'Berilah Hormat Kepada OKU' dan 'What Happen To Disabled Act?'.

M Saravanan (BN-Tapah) berkata, sepatutnya wakil rakyat pembangkang menjelaskan kepada OKU berkenaan bahawa kata-kata Ibrahim bukan bermaksud menghina mereka, tetapi membangkitkan Peraturan Mesyuarat. Ketegangan memuncak apabila Ibrahim dan Bung Moktar keluar dari Dewan Rakyat yang belum habis waktu bersidang sesi pagi, untuk bertemu Thanasayan dan wakil MADD lain.

Ibrahim yang pada mulanya cuba menjawab secara tenang menjelaskan, kata-kata beliau bukan ditujukan kepada golongan OKU secara amnya, tetapi khusus kepada Karpal dan ia berdasarkan Peraturan Mesyuarat yang memerlukan seseorang Ahli Dewan Rakyat berdiri ketika berucap.

Bagaimanapun, tidak tahan dengan jeritan dan laungan wakil MADD serta beberapa ahli Parlimen pembangkang, Ibrahim mula meninggikan suara dan menjelaskan tidak akan meminta maaf kepada kumpulan itu kerana kata-kata itu tidak ditujukan kepada mereka, malah beliau juga menegaskan tidak akan meminta maaf kepada Karpal berhubung kejadian itu.

"Saya tidak mahu memohon maaf sebab kata-kata yang dilemparkan kepada Ahli Parlimen Bukit Gelugor kelmarin tidak bermaksud menghina OKU. Ini bukan politik. "

Buat apa saya hendak berbuat demikian sedangkan ia tidak ada kena mengena langsung dengan apa yang mereka mahukan,"

katanya sambil disahut teriakan beberapa OKU yang mengelilinginya. Sejurus kemudian, Ibrahim meninggalkan perkumpulan itu.

Bung Mokhtar yang tiba kemudian, mengeluarkan kata-kata memujuk dengan menyatakan beliau juga mempunyai ahli keluarga dan ramai pengundi di kawasannya yang dikategorikan OKU.

Justeru katanya, tidak terlintas di fikiran beliau untuk menghina golongan itu malah menyayangi dan menganggap mereka sebagai golongan istimewa.

"Saya mohon maaf jika ada melakukan kesalahan hingga menyinggung perasaan OKU dan saya akan pastikan ada pembelaan sekiranya berlaku penganiayaan terhadap anda,'' katanya.

Beliau bagaimanapun mempertahankan kenyataannya terhadap Karpal dan menganggap ia bukan satu kesalahan apabila Gobind yang berdiri bersama MADD, melemparkan pertanyaan sama ada perbuatannya terhadap bapanya (Karpal) itu adalah salah.

Sesudah Bung Mokhtar memohon maaf itu, keadaan menjadi tenang dan MADD kemudian menyerahkan memorandum bantahan yang mewakili permintaan semua kumpulan dan pertubuhan OKU kepada semua ahli Parlimen. Wan Azizah menerima memorandum itu bagi pihak semua Ahli Parlimen.

Parlimen kecoh OKU desak YB mohon maaf

Article From Utusan Malaysia

Friday, May 09, 2008

PARLIMEN

Parlimen kecoh OKU desak YB mohon maaf

KUALA LUMPUR 8 Mei - Lobi Parlimen yang biasanya sibuk tetapi terkawal menjadi kecoh apabila kira-kira 30 orang kurang upaya (OKU) dari Pertubuhan Rakyat Malaysia Menentang Diskriminasi OKU (MADD) mendesak dua ahli Parlimen memohon maaf atas kenyataan mereka di dalam Dewan Rakyat yang didakwa menghina golongan tersebut.

Lengkap dengan sepanduk, mereka berhimpun di lobi sambil menjerit dan melaungkan rasa tersinggung dengan kenyataan yang dibuat oleh Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Bebas-Pasir Mas) dan Datuk Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) terhadap Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor).

Karpal yang kerap membangkitkan Peraturan Mesyuarat termasuk isu tidak mengangkat tangan kanan semasa upacara angkat sumpah telah ditempelak oleh Ibrahim yang menurutnya juga tidak mengikut peraturan kerana tidak berdiri ketika bercakap di dalam Dewan.

Pengerusi DAP itu kini terpaksa berkerusi roda selepas tidak boleh berjalan sejak mengalami kemalangan jalan raya pada awal 2005.

Jurucakap MADD, Anthony Thanasayan berkata, golongan OKU terluka dengan kata-kata tersebut kerana Karpal juga seorang OKU.

''Kami bersedia menerima permohonan maaf Ibrahim serta Bung Moktar jika dilakukan secara ikhlas dan jujur, tanpa sebarang syarat," katanya kepada pemberita.

Walaupun menafikan kehadiran mereka ditaja oleh parti politik, sidang akhbar itu dihadiri oleh beberapa ahli Parlimen pembangkang termasuk Presiden Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Datin Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Loh Gwo Burne (PKR-Kelana Jaya) dan Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong) yang juga anak Karpal.

M. Saravanan (BN-Tapah) bagaimanapun sedikit kesal kerana kumpulan OKU terbabit tidak diberi penjelasan oleh wakil rakyat pembangkang mengenai insiden sebenar yang berlaku di dalam Dewan Rakyat yang diyakininya bukan bermaksud menghina mereka.

Keadaan menjadi tegang apabila Ibrahim dan Bung Moktar keluar dari Dewan Rakyat untuk bertemu dengan Anthony dan wakil OKU yang lain.

Ibrahim menjelaskan kata-kata beliau bukan ditujukan kepada golongan OKU secara am tetapi khusus kepada Karpal yang ketika itu kerap membangkitkan Peraturan Mesyuarat sehingga mengganggu sesi soal jawab.

Beliau menegaskan tidak akan meminta maaf kepada kumpulan OKU tersebut kerana kata-kata itu tidak ditujukan kepada mereka, malah beliau juga enggan meminta maaf kepada Karpal berhubung kejadian itu.

''Saya tidak mahu memohon maaf sebab kata-kata yang dilemparkan kepada Ahli Parlimen Bukit Gelugor kelmarin tidak bermaksud menghina golongon OKU. Ini bukan politik.

''Buat apa saya hendak berbuat demikian sedangkan ia tidak ada kena mengena langsung dengan apa yang mereka mahukan," katanya sambil disahut teriakan beberapa OKU yang mengelilinginya.

Bagaimanapun, Bung Mokhtar yang menyatakan mempunyai ahli keluarga dan pengundi di kawasannya dikategorikan OKU dengan nada memujuk berkata, beliau tidak terlintas untuk menghina golongan itu malah menyayangi dan menganggap mereka sebagai golongan istimewa.

''Saya mohon maaf jika ada melakukan kesalahan hingga menyinggung perasaan OKU dan saya akan pastikan ada pembelaan sekiranya berlaku penganiayaan terhadap anda," katanya.

Beliau bagaimanapun mempertahankan kenyataannya terhadap Karpal dan menganggap ia bukan satu kesalahan ketika ditanya oleh Gobind sama ada beliau mengakui perbuatannya itu salah.

Habis.

Article From The Star

Friday May 9, 2008

PARLIAMENT

Ibrahim’s refusal to apologise to Karpal causes commotion

Shouting match: Ibrahim arging with the disabled yesterday. On his left is Gobind Singh.

A COMMOTION broke out in the Parliament lobby during a meeting between Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Independent – Pasir Mas) and a group of disabled people who demanded that he apologise to Karpal Singh.

The group, known as Malaysians Against the Discrimination of the Disabled (MADD), urged Ibrahim to retract his recent statement in Parliament requesting that Karpal Singh (DAP – Bukit Gelugor) stand up while speaking in the Dewan Rakyat.

Ibrahim had apologised to the group initially for hurting their feelings over the remarks he made in the Dewan.

However, when he refused to apologise to Karpal Singh, who is wheelchair-bound, several from the group became agitated and this led to a shouting match.

“My problem was with Karpal Singh and never with all of you. I have never offended you and I love disabled people from the bottom of my heart.

“But if you all have misinterpreted my meaning, I extend my sincerest apologies.

“I hope you don’t misunderstand this because there are groups trying to take advantage of you,” he said, referring to several Pakatan Rakyat leaders – Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail,

Lim Lip Eng, Loh Gwo Burne, Gobind Singh Deo and others – who had escorted the group into Parliament.

Ibrahim even said that he would propose that the Government allocate a RM500 monthly allowance to the disabled, which was greeted by cheers.

However, a huge spat ensued when Lim Lip Eng (DAP – Segambut) questioned Ibrahim if he would offer an apology to Karpal Singh.

To this, Ibrahim shouted “No! No! No!”.

“I will not apologise to Karpal. You cannot force me. I will not apologise for the benefit of the opposition party,” he retorted, and stormed off from the meeting.

In response, the group shouted back at him: “What if you are disabled one day?”

A representative from MADD later handed over a memorandum to Opposition Leader Dr Wan Azizah.

Article From New Straits Times

NST Online » Local News
2008/05/09

MADD at Ibrahim's remarks

By : V. Vasudevan, B. Suresh Ram, Eileen Ng, R.S. Kamini, Ili Liyana Mokhtar and Joseph SipalanUNDER ATTACK: Members of Malaysians Against the Discrimination of the Disabled confronting MP Ibrahim Ali (right) at the lobby of Parliament yesterday over his remarks about DAP MP Karpal Singh. Ibrahim says he will never apologise to Karpal. — NST photo by Rosdan Wahid.

THE fiery Ibrahim Ali met his match at Parliament lobby yesterday when a group of disabled confronted him over an "insensitive" statement about DAP chairman Karpal Singh. Members of Malaysians Against the Discrimination of the Disabled confronting MP Ibrahim Ali at the lobby of Parliament yesterday over his remarks about DAP MP Karpal Singh. Ibrahim says he will never apologise to Karpal. — NST photo by Rosdan Wahid

Datuk Bung Mokhtar, BN MP for Kinabatangan, greeting a MADD member yesterday.

The independent member of parliament for Pasir Mas was jeered by the 30-strong group for asking the speaker on April 30 why the wheel-chair-bound Karpal, the MP for Bukit Gelugor, had not stood to ask questions.

House rules require members to stand while asking questions.

The group, representing Malaysians Against the Discrimination of the Disabled (MADD), had showed up at the lobby to present a memorandum of protest to MPs.

Led by Anthony Thana-yasan, the group had also wanted an apology from Ibra-him and Datuk Bung Mokhtar, the Barisan Nasional MP for Kinabatangan, for their comments about the disabled.

The effort, however, failed when Ibrahim walked off after heatedly engaging the group for five minutes.

Bung Mokhtar, however, said he was sorry if his comment had hurt the disabled."I have disabled in my family and constituency. How can I think of hurting any of you?" he said to cheers.

The drama began about 11.45am when Kelana Jaya DAP MP Loh Gwo Burne told Ibrahim that a group of disabled wanted to meet him.

As Ibrahim approached them, the group asked him to offer the disabled and Karpal an unconditional apology for his "insensitive" statement.Ibrahim, in an equally angry tone, said:

"I will not apologise to Karpal. "I never meant to offend any of you (looking at disabled).

What happened between him and me was something personal.

"The atmosphere became more tense when Ibrahim suggested that they were being used.

"I have been fighting for a RM500 monthly allowance for the disabled for a long time." As they pressed Ibrahim to apologise to Karpal, a flustered Ibrahim walked off without a word.

Ibrahim, met by the New Straits Times, said he would not retract his remarks about Karpal until the latter apologised for calling him a katak (frog)."

I was being patient but he called me a 'katak'. I waited for him to retract his statements but he did not do so."

He said MADD may have been made use of by Pakatan Rakyat MPs who wanted to politicise the matter.

Anthony said the disabled had dignity and could not be bought.

"Any one of the MPs can become disabled one day. So, be sensitive to our condition and please show us some respect."

Task force to get more disabled into civil service

Wednesday May 7, 2008

The Star - Nation

Task force to get more disabled into civil service

KUALA LUMPUR: A task force is being set up to encourage more disabled people to work in the public sector, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen.

She said the ministry wanted feedback on how to create a suitable working environment for the disabled.

The task force would comprise ministry, Public Service Department (PSD) and disabled representatives.

This would also help PSD achieve its aim of having at least 1% of the government workforce, or 10,000 workers, being the disabled, she said.

Currently, there are 220,000 disabled persons registered with the Social Welfare Department. Only 581 of them are working in the public service and fewer than 5,000 in the private sector.

Dr Wong Huey Siew, Society for the Blind Malaysia's Employment and Computer Development chairman, said around 50% of disabled persons left their jobs within six months.

Malaysian Confederation of the Disabled secretary K. Bathmavathi said the ministry’s move would encourage the disabled to acquire higher academic qualifications.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

ILTC's Hope For Malaysian Disabled's Better Future

Frustration is the best word to describe what the disabled are undergoing now.

Independent Living & Training Centre (ILTC) strongly feel that, disabled isolated from the society because, with the country developing rapidly, much has yet to be done for the disabled, including providing a better environment, accessibility and proper facilities.

We believe the new Government to deliver on its promise of a “barrier-free” environment to cater to the needs of the disabled.

ILTC honestly feel that, it is difficult for a disabled person to go to some shopping complexes as there are no toilets for them or, even if there were, are locked most of the time.

“We had to control our bladder for three hours once as there were no toilets available, imagine the discomfort that we had to endure.

“We are humans, too, who need to eat, sleep, use the toilet and visit places, and imagine such a basic facility is not available.

Another example is the KLIA Express, which has only room for one disabled person. “Many times, mywife and me have to decide who should take the train first to the airport as both of us cannot travel together due to the limited space availability.

Last year, Former Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil called for a “barrier-free” environment to cater to the needs of the disabled, with Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen adding that the Government would come up with a long-term plan to provide disabled-friendly public transportation.

Discrimination In Parliament House

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

This Article is written by Mr. Anthony Thanasayan
President of PetPositive

Discrimination In Parliament House

PETPOSITIVE UPDATE!

DATELINE - PUCHONG, SELANGOR. SUNDAY:

LEADERS OF THREE DISABILITY ORGANISATIONS got together over the weekend to discuss the recent incident where at least one parliamentarian had made a remark about disability which has angered many handicapped Malaysians.

The able-bodied parliamentarian was reported to have said to another seated in a wheelchair that he ought to have asked permission to stand up at the session before he could comment on an issue.

This was not the first time that such a discriminatory remark about the disabled was uttered in Parliament House. The same disabled parliamentarian was told by another elected representative sometime last year that he was in a wheelchair because God had put him there.

That first statement eventually drew an outcry from some influential members of the House. The parliamentarian was made to apologise for his remarks.

The latest remarks, however, has not drawn any apology to date.

"We are really concerned when such negative remarks are made by our Parliamentarians," said Kennedy Hong, President of the Society of Chinese Disabled Persons of Malaysia (SCDPM) where the meeting was held.

"What does such behaviour say to our young people today?" He asked. Hong uses a wheelchair for mobility.

"We should be inculcating values that encourage everyone to respect the elderly and the disabled," echoed Alan Tan, the SCDPM's Deputy President.

Secretary of the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) in Rawang, Selangor, Gurdip Kaur said: "I feel extremely sad that the disabled are forever amongst the most vulnerable in our society when in fact what we need are strong laws to protect our dignity and rights as handicapped Malaysians.

"Francis Siva - ILTC President - also voiced his dissatisfaction. He questioned the efficacy of the Disabled Act which was passed in Parliament recently.

"Can we use that law now to protect our rights?" he asked.

The two hour meeting was also attended by Anthony Thanasayan and his assistance dog, Soo.

Expressing his views, the President of the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (PETPOSITIVE) observed: "It's a pity that the that the "disabled" are rarely mentioned in Parliament.

"And when it happens, it is for a negative purpose.

"Leaders of the three non profit organisations are currently brainstorming ways on how they can best sensitize our elected representatives about the real issues confronting handicapped persons in our society.

Kindly watch this space for more developments on this story.

Click HERE to read more.

PET+BLOGSPOT

NST Online » Local News

2008/04/25

Now, to get offices ready for disabled

By : Evangeline Majawat

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is laying the groundwork to employ 10,200 disabled people in the civil service.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said the first step was to make all government offices disabled-friendly.

Her ministry will be meeting the Public Service Department to address issues such as access, mobility and infrastructure for the prospective disabled civil servants.

"It is a complex issue and we understand that there are complications," Dr Ng said at the ministry's senior officers convention at Renaissance Hotel yesterday.

It was announced on Wednesday that the government would hire 10,200 disabled people with immediate effect.

This will make up one per cent of the current 1.2 million civil servants and is a 25-fold increase in the number of disabled people working in the government.

The government now employs fewer than 400 disabled people.

Dr Ng said the government would give them jobs according to their capabilities and qualifications.

"There is no limit to which job a disabled person can hold. It all depends on their capabilities.

"f he is a professor, he will be offered the position of a senior officer."

The private sector is also encouraged to follow the government's move. It was announced in the 2008 Budget that companies which hired disabled people and made their buildings disabled-friendly would be given tax exemption

NST Online » Local News

2008/05/04

Bane of disabled women

KUALA LUMPUR: Women with disabilities face overwhelming double discrimination: one which is gender-based and another for their disability.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen said compared to their male counterparts, disabled women suffered more as they struggled to overcome obstacles.

"These women have low self-esteem and confidence. "Remember, you're no lesser.

You're just different," said the minister at the closing ceremony of the Asian Women in Paralympic Sport Leadership Summit yesterday.The three-day summit, the first to be held in Asia, is a workshop to provide leadership training and increase women's participation at all levels of decision-making.

"A forum like this is important to ensure the involvement of disabled women and also to bring to attention the issues and difficulties that they're facing."

Dr Ng said her ministry was working hard to overcome all forms of discrimination faced by disabled women.

Saturday May 3, 2008

The Star - Metro

Free bus rides for the poor

By TAN KARR WEI

THERE will be a free community bus service for poor residents in Petaling Jaya starting on June 3, said mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman.

“We are targeting poorer areas in the city. The bus is more for senior citizens and housewives who need to do their marketing or run errands. The bus will even pass by University Hospital,” said Roslan.

The bus service will start from the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) in SS8, Kelana Jaya, and go to areas like PJS6, PJS2, Jalan 12, Jalan 1/1, PJS 3, PJS 1, Jalan Templer, Jalan Othman, Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Jalan Gasing, Jalan Universiti, Section 19/8, SS2, SS4A/1, SS6/3, SS5/1 and back onto the LDP, completing a circular route.

The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) bought a new bus, which seats about 30 for RM200,000 and refurbished another at a cost of about RM100,000

The bus service will run from 9.30am to 4.30pm, from Monday to Friday.

MBPJ will also provide a transit service for disabled people.

A van fitted with a hydraulic lift will ferry them from their doorstep to their destination.

MBPJ LA21 officer Lee Lih Shyan said for now, the service was by appointment, as there was only one van available.

The van can ferry two wheelchair-bound persons at a time and four if the wheelchairs can be folded.

The service is also available from 9.30am to 4.30 pm and those interested in using the service can call 03-7956 3544 (ext 351 and 370).
For those in need: Roslan (right) and Bukit Gasing assemblyman Edward Lee checking out the new bus.

“We hope that companies will come forward to sponsor more buses and vans or the maintenance costs to run these services,” said Roslan.

The trial run of the bus service will start in the middle of May and public feedback is welcomed and can be forwarded to LA21 officer Lee Lih Shyan lee@mbpj.gov.my, acting engineering director Ismail Shafie ismail@mbpj.gov.my or public relations officer Zainun Zakaria zainun@mbpj.gov.my

Respect the disabled, Ng tells MP

The Star - Saturday May 3, 2008

Respect the disabled, Ng tells MP

KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will send a letter to the Pasir Mas MP to warn him against making insensitive remarks about disabled people.

Its minister, Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, said she had instructed her officer to send the letter to independent candidate Datuk Ibrahim Ali at the post-Cabinet meeting yesterday.

“His words have hurt many disabled people and he has to be more cautious in future.

“He has to be more selective in his words and be sensitive,” she said at a press conference.

In the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday, Ibrahim had teased wheelchair-bound Bukit Gelugor MP Karpal Singh for “not respecting the House” by not standing up when speaking in Parliament.

The message for the Labours Day from President of ILTC

The message for the Labours Day from President of ILTC

Recently the government opening wide the door to the civil service for disabled people.

Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Ismail Adam said in a circular the move was in line with the government's vision to create a caring society by 2020 by hiring of about 10,200 disabled people will begin immediately.

It is also in line with efforts to promote the development of human capital as envisioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The government has agreed that at least one per cent of civil servants be made up of the disabled and this is a good opportunity for the disabled to contribute to the nation.

ILTC welcomed the government’s move to open up the civil workforce to the disabled.

ILTC also look forward the government’s to ensure the working environment must also be disabled-friendly

ILTC urged that, the government should look at the bigger scale and remove social barriers. At same time the government should improve and provide better transportation towards the disabled persons in Malaysia.

To Appoint Disabled Persons in the State Executive Council in the State of Selangor

Thursday, May 01, 2008

The Message from ILTC President

To Appoint Disabled Persons in the State Executive Council in the State of Selangor

ILTC hope that, new Selangor government should appoint disabled persons in the state executive council. The disabled persons may have new ideas which could be of help to the state government in formulating policies to ensure that they were comprehensive.

It will enable disabled persons get involved in the process of formulating state policies. The government has to hear our views especially on our needs to enable us to be people-friendly in their policies.