KUALA LUMPUR – Spina bifida researcher Dr Noraishah Mydin Abd Aziz is probably the first person with a disability to be an election candidate, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli said today at the party’s unveiling of fresh faces for the 15th general election (GE15)
He said issues concerning the disabled community had been given “token discourse” and were addressed by the government through the appointment of a senator to represent the group.
“I can’t remember any major political party that has actually fielded a disabled person on the basis of merit,” Rafizi told a press conference at the PKR headquarters.
“Whether it is a gamble or not, one thing PKR has been doing is to push the boundaries,” he added.
Universiti Malaya scientist Dr Noraishah Mydin, 47, was among others introduced by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as fresh faces in the coming election.
The parasitologist and expert on neural tube deficiencies will be placed in a Federal Territory seat, although Anwar did not state which one. PKR is to announce its list of GE15 candidates this Friday.
Dr Noraishah Mydin who is wheelchair-bound, told reporters she had been born with spina bifida, and how her life’s work was aimed at understanding the birth defect to help children and families dealing with the condition.
“I’ve faced rejection when I was in kindergarten (as) they didn’t want to accept me (as a student). Even now, spina bifida patients face rejection.
“I am still helping families, writing letters for them to get their children accepted in mainstream education,” said Dr Noraishah Mydin, who is also a spina bifida patient rights activist.
“I have worked extremely hard all my life to understand this condition.”
“Yet when I or research colleagues apply for grants (from the Malaysian government), we are always denied.”
“All I want to do is to help children (with spina bifida) walk. So I’ve let go of my civil service post to be here today. I am not going to back down.” – The Vibes, October 26, 2022
