NEWSFLASH - REGARDING SIA SIEW CHIN AND DEFAMATION AGAINST ILTC

Friday, September 19, 2008

NEWSFLASH:

Dear Folks,

LATEST UP DATE

Regarding Sia Siew Chin & Defamation Against ILTC..........

Last 16th September 2008 at 11.00am upon the invitation for the meeting by Dr. Herman Shastri from Council Church of Malaysia had a face to face meeting with Pastor Sia Siew Chin and Edward Lee of Beautiful Gate. She also brought her laywer with her.

The meeting was coordinated by Dr. Herman Shastri very professionally over the above matter concerning.

He was very kind to us and gave us ample time to brief the issue which we brought forward and looking for Justice.......

At the end of the meeting, he had request Pastor Sia to submit all the relevant document as soon as possible for clarification.

ILTC also take this opportunity to thanks Rev. Bishop Hwa Yung (The Methodist Church in Malaysia) for kindly make this arrangement successfully.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT. WE AWAIT FOR THEIR REPLY SOON......

MR. G. FRANCIS SIVA
PRESIDENT OF ILTC

Welcome news

Friday, September 19, 2008

The Star - Lifestyle - Wheel Power

Thursday September 18, 2008

Welcome news
WHEEL POWER WITH ANTHONY THANASAYAN
Something to look forward to for the disabled.

PEOPLE with disabilities living in Selangor have been receiving some really good news recently. First, there was the announcement last month by the Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya that as many as 150 disabled car parking lots are being introduced by the council and will be ready for use by Christmas.

Now there is more good news. This time from Subang Jaya.

It was reported last week that handicapped residents in the area who drive are encouraged to apply for free parking stickers from the local council.

The stickers will, according to Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh, enable the disabled to park their cars at public parking lots that are managed by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).

It will take a lot more education before we can expect drivers to show more consideration for the needs of the handicapped.

Parking, according to the report, will be free for the handicapped to save them the inconvenience of paying at the parking meters. Here is another shining example of a local council that is willing to go the extra mile in understanding our problems.

We, as handicapped Malaysians, only ask for a chance to live like other non-disabled citizens. It is not often that we come across local councils that show such interest in helping the disabled.

Few of us can forget the shocking incident in 2006 when a woman driver in a wheelchair in Klang was slapped with a warrant of arrest for not settling her parking dues. She couldn’t because the parking metres were simply too high for her reach.

That episode thankfully ended on a positive note – the warrant was rescinded.

The Majlis Perbandaran Klang also showed their sincerity over the error. They went on to introduce scores of disabled-friendly car parks in their town. These are also available free to disabled drivers.

The waivers should be given in view of the fact that our infrastructure had not included the needs of the disabled community in the original blueprint. This is why many disabled Malaysians are unable to study in normal schools, find jobs and live a normal life.

So offering free services like these can be considered as society’s “payback time” for the handicapped whom we have disabled by our unwitting neglect.

And one day when full, equal participation by the disabled is finally realised, they will be able to pay for the services themselves.

That is, when all unjust barriers are done away with and the disabled enjoy equal job opportunities, and are in a financial position to take care of themselves.

Until then, it would have to be the local council’s responsibility to look into the needs of its disabled citizens.

All private outfits and shopping complexes should also use this understanding to provide free parking for the disabled as part of their corporate social responsibility.

This would be in line with steps taken by the Federal Government to offer free medical treatment and free passports, to name a few, for the handicapped.

Back to the MBSJ, there are several issues that need to be looked into to make the disabled car parking project a success.

The parking stickers need to include caregivers and volunteers who transport the handicapped and not just disabled drivers alone.

Special designated lots for the handicapped is a must. It is not practical to expect the disabled to park in available lots because there really won’t be any.

And let us not expect other drivers to give up their parking lots for the less fortunate. It will take a lot more education in the future before we can expect our denizens to give way to the less able among us.

Meanwhile, as for the disabled woman who was slapped with a summons, well, she is Gurdip aka Rina Kaur who is now councillor for Majlis Perbandaran Selayang.

The last I heard was that she is working hard to improve facilities for the disabled in her area.

Indeed, good and great things are happening for the disabled community.

Friday, September 19, 2008

NST - Streets

Rina's sign of disapproval
K. Harinderan Selayang councillor Gurdip Kaur @ Rina Pritam Singh (second left) directing enforcement officers to tear down posters in Rawang. — Picture by P.C. Lim

SELAYANG: What a moving moment. A wheelchair-bound woman councillor led a team of enforcement officers in a war against illegal signboards here recently.

Gurdip Kaur @ Rina Pritam Singh, a councillor with Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), has started a crackdown on business operators who put up signboards without the council's approvalOver 50 signboards, banners and buntings in Rawang were torn down by 15 enforcement officers during the operation.

"The issue of the many illegal signs around Rawang was discussed at a recent council meeting.

It was decided that those without the required permits and those that did not renew their yearly permits, would have their signs removed," said Gurdip, who is a member of the Town Services, Traffic and Tourism sub-committee.

She added that the signs were also an eyesore and were posing a danger to road users and students of four schools in the area.

"Only last week, a bunting fell on a moving car, covering the driver's view. He could have hit oncoming traffic, or worse, knocked down school children," she said.

Gurdip said errant businesses operators would be fined by the council She said the authorities will regularly monitor and remove illegal signs in 12 commercial and residential areas, including Rawang Tin, Taman Kota Emerald and Bandar Country Homes.

The operation commenced on Sept 8, with notices placed on illegal signs, instructing business owners to remove them, or apply for permits, within three days.

"But few of them heeded the order. So, under Section 5 of Selayang Municipal by-laws, we removed these signs," said Megat Ainun Fadzlil, the MPS deputy enforcement chief for Rawang Zone One and Two,"We will continue to conduct frequent checks on the relevant areas.

"Since last month, 22 billboards were pulled down as the owners did not renew their permits with the council," he added.

RM100 Monthly Aid For Each Child Below 18 For Poor Families

Friday, September 19, 2008

BERNAMA.COM
main

RM100 Monthly Aid For Each Child Below 18 For Poor Families
By: Ramjit


TAWAU (Malaysia), Sept 15 (Bernama)

Poor families with children aged 18 and below, are eligible to apply for monthly aid of RM100 for each child from the Social Welfare Department.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen said however, the amount was limited to a maximum of RM450 for each family as provided for in Budget 2009.

"The amount cannot exceed RM450. Let's say a family has five children below the aged of 18, we will only give them RM450 monthly," she told reporters after visiting several old folks homes here Sunday.

She hoped community leaders would begin identifying eligible families in their constituencies and inform the ministry's agencies as soon as possible because the approval process would take at least two months.

Meanwhile, Dr Ng said that under the Budget, the ministry had also allocated RM300 as monthly aid for childless senior citizens aged 60 and above.

She said the disabled who earned less than RM1,200 monthly were also eligible to apply for RM300 monthly aid under the OKU (Orang Kurang Upaya or the disabled) Working Aid Scheme.

"If they earn less than RM1,200 monthly, they can apply for the aid and we will give them RM300 monthly. We want to encourage the OKU to work as hard as others and be independent."

This is productive welfare. If you do not work, I will not give even a single sen to you," she said.

Dr Ng said a family earning less than RM3,000 but had a disabled member who needed constant care could also apply for OKU care aid.

She said under the scheme, the family would be given RM300 monthly but it could not utilise the money to hire a foreign helper.

BERNAMA

Rina's 'wheel-power' to inspire

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

NSTP

Rina's 'wheel-power' to inspire.

Q & A with GURDIP KAUR @ RINA PRITAM SINGH

Date of birth: Dec 11, 1961

Place of birth: George Town, Penang

Occupation: Selayang Municipal Council member, Independent Living and Training Centre secretary, volunteer at Sungai Buloh Hospital

Family: Married with one daughter

Hobbies: Listening to sentimental music from the 60s and 70s, outdoor excursions and spending time with her grandchild.

SELAYANG: It is common for one to blame adversities in life to circumstances.
But for the wheelchair-bound Gurdip Kaur @ Rina Pritam Singh, it was when life came crashing down on her that she found strength to help others and be a role model.

Gurdip, 47, or known to many as Rina, suffered an accident in 1993 which left her paralysed from the waist down. She had fallen down a flight of stairs at the apartment block where she lived.

She was married, had a daughter and was a nurse in a clinic owned by the late Dr Joe Fernandez at her hometown in Butterworth.

Rina said: "I became isolated and constantly worried about my family. 'What's going to happen to my child and how am I to live?' I kept asking myself."

To make matters worse, her husband filed for a divorce as he thought she was a burden.

Rina then moved to Kuala Lumpur for treatment and lived with her eldest sister, Jagjit Kaur, who was a pillar of strength and who trained her to be independent.

On an outing to a shopping complex, she met a couple who persuaded her to join an organisation for the disabled. It was during the first meeting that she met many who shared her plight of being called disabled.

"At that moment I knew my calling in life, it was to be a vocal advocate for the rights of the disabled and the betterment of life for all, " she said.

She then met Francis Siva, whom she married. Both shared a similar plight in life (he is also paralysed) and a common cause -- to improve the quality of life of the disabled.

Rina and Siva formed the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) in 1999 in Rawang to help the disabled in rural areas.

They organised a charity show that year which raised RM25,000 and started a home where 12 handicapped persons live and earn a living today.

Rina stands as a beacon of hope for the disabled as she has been appointed a Selayang Municipal Council member. She began her appointment by raising the issue of lack of public facilities for the disabled.

Q: Tell us about your early education?
A: My primary schooling was at Convent Light Street in Penang and secondary was SM Seri Mutiara in Ayer Itam.

Q: What motivated you to be independent and become a vocal advocate for the disabled?
A: It was my sister who stood by me and changed me life. She taught me how to use a wheelchair and live life without relying on others. I went through hard times but I have no regrets today. I am blessed with a daughter who is 25, married and living in Old Klang road. It was when I met Francis Siva and when we formed ILTC that we started to take on the challenge of speaking for the disabled and trying to make public spaces disabled friendly. My belief is that there are no obstacles in life but only challenges. We will fight for better amenities and accessibility to improve the quality of life for disabled persons.

Q: What is the main focus of the Independent Living and Training Centre?
A: ILTC focuses on improving the quality of life for the disabled and creating awareness on how they can be independent to lead what society calls a normal life. We have 12 stay-ins who sell greeting cards, handcrafts and pens in and around Rawang daily and they are paid for their work. Some private companies give us simple processes to complete and pay us for it. We conduct training classes on how to live with disability. We teach them to be trustworthy and responsible citizens and also help them obtain medical treatment.

Q: As a council member, what are the main issues that you feel need to be improved in Rawang?
A: I want to ensure the Rawang new town is disabled-friendly and urge the council not to give Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CF) to shopping malls, shops and other public places if they are not equipped with facilities for the disabled and the elderly.

In Rawang, there are no public toilets for the disabled and that is the reason many disabled people do not leave their houses. Banks, shopping malls and the public transport system should be disabled-friendly as it will help people like us to go around.

I am in charge of Zone 16 which covers Kampung Rawang Tin, Kampung Kuala Garing, Taman Sri Rawang, Taman Garing Jaya, Taman Sri Garing, Taman Garing, Taman Garing Utama, Taman Kota Emerald, Kampung Sungai Dua Tambahan, Taman Pelangi, Taman Belmas Johan and Taman Idaman in Rawang. I would not hesitate to raise any issues voiced by citizens here.

Q: What are the problems in dealing with such issues?
A: A better mindset and attitude. I have heard excuses that there are too few disabled persons here to justify building proper ramps for their access. This is ridiculous. Better enforcement is needed to ensure that the public areas are well maintained. I am happy to note that Selayang has allocated 972 parking lots for the disabled. This is a step in the right direction but access to shops and other buildings needs to be built.

Q: What is your daily routine?
A: As a rule, the first half of my day is spent on my council work and the rest on ILTC.

Q: What is your favourite food?
A: I am quite selective of what I eat but I go for all types of local fare.

Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: Since being appointed councillor, I have had very little free time. When I do have free time, I spend it counselling people with family problems here, most of them are not disabled.

Q: What is your message to the Malaysian public in terms of relating to a disabled person?
A: The public should understand the problems of disabled people. Then, we can educate them on how they can play a role to help the disabled and not to look at us with the wrong impression. We must learn to be open -minded and care for one another, I believe that this is the fundamental trait that makes us human beings. We are no different from any one else.

Lee Chan Bags A Bronze For Malaysia

Monday, September 15, 2008

BERNAMA - NEWS

Lee Chan Bags A Bronze For Malaysia
From Farhanah Azmi

BEIJING, Sept 10 (Bernama) National powerlifter Siow Lee Chan ended a 16-year medal draught in the Paralympics for Malaysia when she bagged a bronze in the women's Under 56kg event in the Beijing Paralympics Wednesday.

Lee Chan, 37, lifted 95kgs and in the process achieved a personal best over the 92.5kgs she achieved at the Athens Paralympics in 2004 and Asean Para Games in Manila in 2005.

On hand to witness her achieving the feat was the Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, who is also the patron of the Malaysian Paralympics Council.

The gold was won by Fatma Omar of Egypt who did 141.5kgs, which was also a Paralympic and World record.

Russia's Irina Kazantseva took the silver after lifting 97.5kgs."I am extremely excited, absolutely thrilled.

I'm satisfied with the results. I did not think too much, I just left it to God.

"I will continue to practice powerlifting and try my best to get better results next time," Lee Chan told a press conference after the medal presentation ceremony at the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronauts Gymnasium.

Lee Chan had represented the country in the Sydney Games (2000) and Athens (2004) where she finished in sixth place in both.However, Lee Chan's success could not be repeated by teammate Cheok Kon Fatt, 53, in the men's Under 52kg when he only managed eighth place out of 12 competitors after lifting 137.5kgs.

China's Wu Guojing lifted 175kg to take the gold while Osama Elserngawy of Egypt won the silver (167.5kg).

Narong Kasanun of Thailand also lifted the same weight but was awarded the bronze on count back.Kon Fatt, a veteran of the Paralympics, won the silver in the category in the Barcelona Games of 1992.

It was the last time national paralympians won any medals in the Games.National coach Ghazali Osman was elated by Lee Chan's achievement and said:

"The six months of training we put in under the watchful eyes of the National Sports Council has paid off."

BERNAMA

Gurdip wants more facilities for the handicapped

Friday, September 12, 2008

The Star - Metro

Gurdip wants more facilities for the handicapped
Story and photos by STUART MICHAEL

MY COUNCILLOR
Name: Gurdip Kaur Pritam Singh
Age: 47Status: Married with one daughter
NGO status: Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) secretary, cofounder of ILTC and a volunteer in Sungai Buloh Hospital.
Area of coverage: Zone 16 (Kampung Rawang Tin, Kampung Kuala Garing, Taman Sri Rawang, Taman Garing Jaya, Taman Sri Garing, Taman Garing, Taman Garing Utama, Taman Kota Emerald, Kampung Sungai Dua Tambahan, Taman Pelangi, Taman Belmas Johan and Taman Idaman).
Present residence and office: ILTC No 76, Taman Garing 48000, Rawang
Contact number: 03-60936292, 012- 6956786.

GURDIP Kaur Pritam Singh, is a well-known individual in fighting for disabled rights in Rawang.

And Gurdip, who is now the Selayang Municipal Council councillor, wants the Selayang constituency to be more disabled-friendly.

“First, we have to make the people and the council understand the problems of disabled people. Then, we can educate them,” she said.

“In Rawang, there are no public toilets for the disabled and that’s the reason many disabled people do not leave their houses.

“Banks, shopping malls and the public transport system should be disabled-friendly as it will help people like us to go around.
Enjoying their time: Gurdip and her husband, Francis Siva, enjoying a moment in their garden at the ILTC in Taman Garing, Rawang.

“I want to ensure the Rawang new town is disabled-friendly and urged the council not to give Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (CF) to shopping malls, shops, post office and other public places if it is not equipped with facilities for the disabled, ’’ said Gurdip, who stays at Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) in Taman Garing.

Gurdip, 47, who is the ILTC secretary, is married to ILTC president Francis Siva and has a daughter, who also stays with them.

Gurdip is in charge of Zone 15 that covers Kampung Rawang Tin, Kampung Kuala Garing, Taman Sri Rawang, Taman Garing Jaya, Taman Sri Garing, Taman Garing, Taman Garing Utama, Taman Kota Emerald, Kampung Sungai Dua Tambahan, Taman Pelangi, Taman Belmas Johan and Taman Idaman in Rawang.

Since Gurdip is staying in Taman Garing, it is easy for her to handle matters near her area and does not need to be so mobile like the rest of the councillors.

“As a newly-elected councillor, I will meet the residents associations in my area and ask about the problems in their areas.

“Then, I will ensure that this matter is brought to the attention of the Selayang Municipal Council president Zainal Abidin Azim during the council meetings.

“Being a councillor is new to me, I am learning each day on how to solve issues and bring up matters.

“One thing for sure, I will do my best to see that people’s interest are taken care of and welcome anyone to seek my help,’’ said Gurdip.

Big challenge

Thursday September 11, 2008

The Star - Lifestyle

Big challenge
Wheel Power: By Anthony Thanasayan

For the disabled participants at Beijing’s Paralympics Games, the event is often regarded as the highlight of their lives.

AS you read this, as many as 4,000 disabled athletes (including a dozen Malaysians) are taking part in Beijing’s Paralympics Games.

The event, held once every four years, traditionally takes place about three weeks after the Olympics. It is also held in the same country that the Olympic Games took place.

To the disabled sportsmen and sportswomen involved, the Paralympics is often regarded as the most important event in their lives.(From left) Oscar Pistorious of South Africa, Heros Marai of Italy and Christoph Bausch of Switzerland in the heats of the men’s 100m T44 classification race at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.

To me, the event is not only about who wins what and how well they performed. That is important, of course. But what is more important is how a particular sporting event has contributed to the people, and how it will continue to change their lives.

How will life change for the disabled community after major sporting events are over? BBC Online’s web page gave a peek into the lives of the handicapped in China.

The online page’s reporter followed an Olympic volunteer who used a wheelchair and travelled across Beijing by bus and subway, before the Games. The exposure made him realise how serious disability issues are in the country.

Although ramps and lifts were newly added for the Paralympics, this wasn’t so in other towns and villages in China.

The 82.7 million people with disabilities in China still face discrimination and prejudice, which make their daily lives difficult.

Universities in China are still reluctant to take in students with handicaps.

Human Rights Watch based in New York says that “8.58 million employable people with a disability in China did not have jobs last year.”

This even though the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities laws had been enacted and ratified not long ago.

“So far these protections have meant little to (disabled) persons (and) their advocates in China to be able to fairly compete for employment,” the organisation pointed out.

Despite this dismal outlook, the BBC says the good news is that the Chinese government has made a big effort to educate its citizens on how to talk to the disabled athletes during the Paralympics.

One pamphlet advises locals to be helpful, but not too pushy. It also suggests they should be more sensitive to those with disabilities.

Over here in Malaysia, it was announced that we had won the bid to host the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) world general assembly in Kuala Lumpur. The event will be held in November next year.

Even though this is joyous news for the disabled community, many of us are concerned about the issue of accessibility for the international disabled guests when they arrive in KL.

We know what a nightmare it is for a wheelchair user to move around in the capital.

Will the respective local councils be able to tackle these problems by the time our overseas guests arrive next year?

Or will our disabled visitors be restricted in their movements and told where they can go in the city?

Will they stay in posh hotels (with accessible shiny toilets) during their stay or will they be allowed to mingle with the rest of us and have a chance to see what Malaysia is really like?

If nothing is done from now until November next year, will our disabled guests want to come to Malaysia again?

And how would our disabled citizens benefit from such a visit? That is what I really like to know.

MPS issues warning to billboard owners

Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Star - Metro

MPS issues warning to billboard owners
By OH ING YEEN

OWNERS of expired billboards and banners are urged to pay up quick or the billboards will be taken down, said Selayang Muni-cipal Council (MPS) councillor Gurdip Kaur.

“They should have the approval of the council before putting up the banners and billboards. This is a form of illegal advertisement,” said Gurdip.

“I have noticed the problem of illegal banners and billboards since I lived in Rawang nine years ago but there was nothing I could do then. Now, as a councillor, I’m able to do my duty and take down the illegal advertisements,” said the Zone 16 councillor.
Tear them down: Enforcement officers dismantling illegal billboards and banners along Jalan Kuala Garing while Gurdip (second from left) looks on.

She said safety was another reason for taking down the banners and billboards.

“Five days ago, a driver almost got into an accident when a poster that was blown off by strong winds landed on his car ,” she said.

More than 10 MPS enforcement officers took down illegal banners and billboards starting from the ones in Jalan Kuala Garing, Rawang. They will be continuing the operation to rid Selayang of illegal banners and billboards.

MPS assistant enforcement officer C. Paramasivam said that this was the first large-scale operation carried out to tear down illegal banners and billboards.

“Normally the owners of illegal banners will be issued a RM500 summons but many have been there for too long.

“Some of the billboards we took down have been there for six months since the licences expired while some owners only paid during the first time they applied for the licence and did not renew it. They have breached Section 5 of the MPS advertising by-law for advertising without licence,” said Paramasivam, who is also the MPS Rawang 1 zone chief.

MPS assistant enforcement officer Megat Ainul Fadzlil said that they normally conducted these operations five to six times a year.

“The billboard or banner owners will be given a three-day deadline after they were issued a notice to renew their licences.

“However, things are slow during the fasting month as we are more focused on checking the Ramadan bazaar licences,” he said, adding that approved banners and billboards would have the MPS sticker.

Gurdip, who is in the tourism, finance and traffic subcommittees in the council, also plans to tackle issues such as potholes, lack of street lights as well as ramps for the disabled.

“After the petrol hike, the trains are packed and it is difficult for the disabled to get into them. I’m also looking into quotations for bubble lifts,” said the secretary of the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC).

Free parking for the disabled

Tuesday September 9, 2008

The Star - Metro

Free parking for the disabled

THE disabled people living in the Subang Jaya municipality have been urged to apply for free parking stickers at the council.

They are also requested to carry their cards at all time to be eligible for their privileges.

Apply now: Yeoh showing the stickers for the disabled while Adnan looks on.

According to the Petaling welfare office some 298 disabled people in Subang Jaya are registered with it, but only 23 of them had applied for the council’s free parking stickers this year.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh said not many disabled people were aware of the stickers.

“This is not a new thing as the council introduced it in 2006,” said Yeoh during a press briefing together with the MPSJ president Datuk Adnan Md Ikshan.

“The stickers will enable the disabled to park their cars for free at public parking spaces that are managed by the MPSJ, so that they need not go through the inconvenience of paying at the parking meters.”

The stickers are not applicable at private complexes or shopping malls.

It is learnt that only seven disabled people had applied for the stickers in 2006, while in 2007, only 17 applications were received.

Yeoh said this was one of the first steps undertaken towards making things more convenient for the disabled.

Adnan added that since 1995, there was a compulsory by-law for any submissions of development order and building plan to include facilities for the disabled.

“However, it was only enforced two years ago,” he said.

Yeoh said she would be having a meeting on Nov 1 with the disabled community in Subang Jaya to be held at the MPSJ building.

“I’ll arrange for some councillors to be around during the meeting so that they can listen to the hardships faced by the disabled and work towards a solution.”

For more information on the stickers call Yeoh’s assistant Cherrinee Lee at 012-291 3358 or e-mail: cherrinee@gmail.com.

Jeanne visits paralympic team

Monday, September 8, 2008

The Star - News

Jeanne visits paralympic team
By CELESTE FONG

BEIJING: Developers have been urged to design more disabled-friendly housing projects.

Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was touched by the disabled-friendly facilities she saw at the Paralympic Games Village here, said: “We should do more for the disabled.

“I hope schools will encourage and teach children to help (the disabled) if they see a disabled (person). We should change our mindset to be more caring,” she added.

Pointing at the disabled-friendly ATM machine booth, Jeanne said the facilities in the village showed the level of consideration for the disabled.

She was also awed by the spirit of the paralympians and the courage displayed by them, saying that Malaysians could emulate them.

“This is what we should be doing in our country,” she said, hoping that Malaysians could raise the level of consideration for the disabled.

Jeanne, the patron of the Malaysian Paralympic Council, was accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Syed Norulzaman Kamarulzaman, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan and National Sports Council director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong to the games village here.

On the Malaysian paralympians, Jeanne, who met them in the village, said Abdullah had conveyed his best wishes to them.

The Malaysian paralympians will begin their respective events today.

Wheelchair Presentation Ceremony

Saturday, September 06, 2008

PRESENTATION OF WHEEL CHAIRS

Today, Wheelchair Presentation Ceremony organized by Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) had donated six (6) wheelchairs to ILTC at Dewan Berjaya, Bukit Kiara Equestrian & Country Club, Jalan Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.

On behalf of ILTC, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents towards a caring society.

Malaysia wins bid to host Paralympic assembly

Friday, September 5, 2008

The Star - News

Malaysia wins bid to host Paralympic assembly
By CELESTE FONG

BEIJING: Malaysia obtained eight votes against one to win the bid for hosting the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) world general assembly in Kuala Lumpur in November 2009.

Malaysian Paralympic Council president Datuk Zainal Abu Zarin said nine elected IPC governing board members took part in the voting by secret ballot.

“Out of total 13 elected members, 12 attended but two – Malaysia and Denmark – had to go out while the president (Sir Philip Craven) chaired the meeting and could not vote,” he said yesterday.

“We got eight votes against one,” said Zainal, adding that the results were overwhelming and showed the governing board members recognised Malaysia’s contribution and capability.

Five countries in all had bid to be hosts.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who arrived in Beijing for the Paralympic Games yesterday, described winning the bid as an honour.

Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, the wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, was expected to arrive in the Chinese capital today to attend the opening of the games at the National Stadium.

Our space

Thursday September 4, 2008



Our space
WHEEL POWERBy ANTHONY THANASAYAN

The provision of special carpark lots for the disabled will benefit everyone.

OF ALL the Merdeka Day celebrations, this year’s was the most significant for me. Last Sunday, as I was listening to the radio at midnight, welcoming our 51st anniversary together with other listeners, I was suddenly overcome by emotion.

I found for the first time that as a disabled citizen, I am now able to rejoice with others in celebrating the true meaning of independence.

I’m referring to the 150 carpark lots for the disabled that Majlis Bandaran Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) will be providing all over the city. Work on the project starts this month and is expected to be completed before Christmas.

Many drivers with disabilities have contacted me to say that they can’t wait to test out MBPJ’s carpark for the disabled.

The city council will ensure that wheelchair users have ample space to get their wheelchairs in and out of their cars. A unique feature is that each parking lot comes with a shelter to protect drivers from the elements.

A hot sunny day can turn the car seat into a hot seat. This can cause blisters and sores for those with paralysed limbs. Because of the numbness, most of them will not realise that the seat is hot until the damage has been done. And when that happens, the situation is often irreversible.

Umbrellas are also useless for wheelchair users when it rains. Whilst an able-bodied person can zip into his car within seconds, the disabled will need at least 10 to 15 minutes to perform the same task. Time is needed to position wheelchairs before the driver swings himself into his car.

One wrong move can send the him or her crashing to the ground.

The overhead shelter will come in handy for caregivers too when they travel with their disabled children or parents. To use the special carparks, you need to get hold of MBPJ’s specially designed wheelchair logos. These will be available free of charge soon.

The disabled will have to produce their ID registration cards for the handicapped. For those who haven’t registered, now is a good time to do so.

Those who have yet to be recognised officially as disabled persons – for example, those with Parkinson’s disease or stroke – need only produce a letter from a government doctor or the society they are a member of, verifying their disability.

Providing these disabled-friendly structures is a positive start towards changing the lot of the disabled. Such facilities will encourage the disabled and their families to come out and participate in public life.

Disabled-friendly carparks will raise awareness that there are many disabled Malaysians among us, and we will move one step forward in creating, to use MBPJ’s theme: “A liveable society and dynamic city for all persons.”

Upset over allowance for the disabled

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

The Malay Mail

Upset over allowance for the disabled
September 02, 2008 Categories: News

Don't insult the less-fortunate with paltry allowances, the federal government was told yesterday.

Anthony Thanasayan, Petaling Jaya City Council’s first disabled councillor, found the 2009 budget unfriendly to persons of his ilk.

He said the RM150 per month allowance for the disabled showed the government’s apathy towards to the plight of the community.

“If a person is bedridden, he or she is likely to have bedsores.

The medication costs about RM500- RM1,000 a month. How are they going to survive on RM150?” he asked.

He said the community was also disappointed with Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen because she obviously did not push for better allowances for them.

A group of disabled persons met the minister three months ago and asked for a minimum allowance of RM500.

“The allocation only shows that the government does not take us seriously,” he added.

When asked his view on the Persons of Disability Act that came into force last month, Thanasayan said that it wouldn’t be of much help to the disabled if the spirit of the Act was not enforced.

The Persons of Disability Act states the National Council for Persons with Disabilities may require relevant ministries, government agencies, bodies or organisations to submit reports to the council on steps, measures and actions required to be undertaken in complying with provisions of the Act.

The Act is non-punitive and, therefore, powerless to help the disabled.

“In reality, the Act is still holding on to the charity concept which relies on the kindness of society.

Why do the laws penalise those who discriminate against women and not us?” he asked.

He believed Malaysians still discriminated against the disabled. As councillor in charge of the disabled, he came across a developer of a condominium who wanted to build a ramp for an elderly disabled man living there.

However, the residents’ association of the condominium did not want the ramp built as they believed that it would spoil the ambiance of the place.

“If there was strict enforcement of the Persons of Disability Act, we could have taken legal action against the association. But now there is nothing we can do,” he said.

New comment on BREAKING NEWS - LATEST UP DATE

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "BREAKING NEWS - LATEST UP DATE":

I am very happy to learn that the CCM has intervened on your behalf.

The Council of Churches of Malaysia should be praised for taking a positive step in resolving a very serious problem affecting your society.

I pray that justice will be served to your organisation and whoever is responsible for any bad action will be heavily disciplined.

Keep up your good work at the ILTC and in your blog.

BREAKING NEWS - LATEST UP DATE

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Dear Folks,

BREAKING NEWS - LATEST UP DATE

Regarding Sia Siew Chin & Defamation Against ILTC..........

Dr. Herman Shastri from Council Church of Malaysia has finally invited ILTC President & Secretary for an urgent face to face meeting with Pastor Sia Siew Chin (Beautiful Gate) at CCM Office on 16th September 2008 at 11.00am.

ILTC HOPE FOR JUSTICE.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

MORE UP DATES SOON......

MR. G. FRANCIS SIVA
PRESIDENT OF ILTC

Sunday, August 31, 2008

BADAN LATIHAN DAN HIDUP BERDIKARI, SELANGOR DAN WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR.
(INDEPENDENT LIVING AND TRAINING CENTRE,
SELANGOR AND WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN KUALA LUMPUR)

The 6th Annual General Meeting of the Independent Living & Training Centre, Rawang which was held on 24th of August 2008, at 10.30am, at Restoran Fook Sing (Halal Food) (Rawang) Sdn Bhd, 8-16 Jalan Setia Rawang 1, Taman Setia Batu 18, 48000 Rawang, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

There were 86 members presented at the meeting.

During the meeting ILTC invited Special Guest:

1. Special Guest DSP Shanmugam Reddy
2. Guest Y.B. Tuan Anthony Thanasayan
3. Guest of Honour -

Y.B.. TAN HUI CHUAN
ON BEHALF OF Y.B. Gan Pei Nei - State Assemblyman for Rawang

Participated together...............

HAPPY MERDEKA – WITH OUT I AM NO BODY

Saturday, August 30, 2008

HAPPY MERDEKA – WITH OUT I AM NO BODY

Pensioners, the disabled want more benefits

Saturday August 30, 2008

The Star - News - Budget 2009

Pensioners, the disabled want more benefits

THE National Council of Senior Citizens Organisation Malaysia (Nacscom) president Datuk Lum Kin Tuck said that while the proposal to have a minimum RM720 monthly pension was good, it was still not enough to cope with the rising cost of living.

“While it will help pensioners who have been getting low pensions all along, I feel it should be slightly higher,” he said.

“I think people would be able to cope with the cost of living better if they had a minimum pension of RM900.”

Malaysian Confederation of the Disabled president Mah Hassan said he was happy with the Budget on three points: the RM150 allowance for disabled students, RM200 monthly incentive payment for teaching assistants in special education schools and a higher allowance for caregivers in Rumah Tunas Harapan.

“I must praise the Government for taking all these into consideration,” he said.

“However, on behalf of the disabled community, I must say I am disappointed with the RM150 allowance for the non-working disabled.”

Independent Living and Training Centre president Francis Siva also shared his sentiments.

“At a pre-Budget consultation, we had asked for a RM500 allowance across the board for the disabled.

“What can you do with RM150? I'm very, very sad.

There are many severely-disabled people who have no opportunity to find work. How are they going to live on a mere RM150?” he said.