ON January 19, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim introduced and launched Malaysia Madani as the main agenda for his administration. The rakyat irrespective of social and economic background welcomes the prime minister’s proactive, progressive, and timely aspirations.
In his speech, the prime minister touched on key issues such as good governance, democracy, social justice, recognition of the rights of all citizens, economic and social well-being of the people, and other critical aspects.
He, in a clear and unequivocal manner, stressed that the direction of the country must be guided by significant priorities that require a cross-cutting approach across political, social, economic, environmental and technological aspects.
The aspiration of Malaysia Madani has touched on the issues and needs of the people, especially marginalised groups which include persons with disabilities (PwDs).
After perusing the contents of Malaysia Madani agenda, we see a window of opportunity for the government to strengthen its approach to disability-inclusive development into all elements of national and community development.
Therefore, we urge the government to take the following actions immediately:
1. Upgrade the PwD Development Department (JPOKU) to a full-fledged department under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) with at least 50% of officers and employees with disabilities. If there is no qualified PwD candidate for the position of director, a goal should be set to have a PwD JPOKU director within five years.
2. Set up a parliamentary special select committee on PwD affairs and table the full report of the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities 2016-2022.
3. Establish a Disability Affairs Unit under the Office of the Chief Secretary of each ministry and the Office of the Secretary of state governments. The Disability Affairs Unit will be responsible for;
a) Implementing the 1% disabled public servants policy in every ministry and state government.
b) Providing advice and support to heads of departments that had just hired PwD workers as well as the PwD workers themselves
c) Ensuring ministries and government bodies or government-linked corporations implement policies related to disabled communities such as the National Disability Action Plan 2016-2022, the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, By-laws 34A of the Uniform Building Bylaws (UBBL 34A), Zero Reject Policy in schools and the Inclusive Education Policy in higher education institutions.
4. Establishing a Disability Rights Commission with the members appointed among qualified PwDs with each member representing a different category of PwDs. This commission will be responsible for educating the disabled community on their rights, advising on policy and legislation, and conducting investigations. This is to ensure that the rights of the disabled community in Malaysia are fought for and that every violation of the rights of the disabled is investigated and resolved.
5. Increasing the number of senators representing PwDs from different categories of PwDs. Improve the nomination, screening and appointment process for the positions of Senators representing PwDs, members of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and members of the technical committees under the NCPWD. Provide a directory system so that Senators, members of NCPWD and members of technical committees can be contacted openly.
The empowerment, development and inclusion of PwDs must be embedded as part of the pillars and commitment of Malaysia Madani.
A great civilisation should be measured by its success in recognising and embracing diversity. Good governance needs to be measured by its ability to support and include the most marginalised groups of people. – The Vibes, March 6, 2023
This statement is issued by: Boleh Space, Society of the Blind in Malaysia (SBM), Malaysian Deaf Advocate and Well-Being Organisation (DAWN), National Early Childhood Intervention Council (NECIC), Rangkaian Solidariti Demokratik Pesakit Mental (SIUMAN), United Voice
