KUALA LUMPUR – Prominent activist Anthony Thanasayan, who was the first wheelchair user to become a Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) member, died today, reportedly of a lung infection.
The passing of the 63-year-old disabled rights advocate was announced by MBPJ member and lawyer Derek Fernandez, who paid tribute to Anthony and described him as a fighter.
“Anthony was a fighter and because of his sheer will to want to make things better for the less able in society, many of the policies in MBPJ (today) relating to universal user design, car parks (for disabled users), and facilities are due to him.
“He taught me to look at things differently for which I am eternally grateful. He made me realise that every one of us will be disabled one day, some more than others, but all of us will be disabled one day.
“Ageing is a disability and disabled people should not be hidden away but deserve their days in the sun just like everyone else,” Fernandez said in a statement circulated through WhatsApp.
Anthony, who had also been an animal rights activist, became a household name through his Wheel Power column in The Star. He wrote many articles urging respect and dignity for disabled people.
He also founded PetPositive, a non-governmental organisation focused on animal-assisted therapy for disabled and elderly people.
In 2008, he became the first wheelchair user to become an MBPJ councillor.
Fernandez, who said he had known Anthony since 2008 when both served as councillors, said he would never forget Anthony’s legacy of ensuring a better quality of life for aged and disabled people.
“Our task is not complete but it started because of you, Anthony. Anthony was bigger than life and never walked away from a fight, sometimes with political parties who far outnumbered him. He was a shining example that (being) disabled does not mean (being) not able.
“He was more able than many of us in several aspects. He had a big heart full of compassion to help the weak and he did. He even fought for animals and was a strong advocate for ethical pet ownership and animal rights.” – The Vibes, February 14, 2023
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