Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Nancy Shukri says that Malaysia will transition from operating a charity-based approach to a rights-based approach to involve and support disabled persons.
The minister says the government is giving serious focus to projects for persons with disabilities. Ensuring access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, public facilities and community support.
At the closing ceremony of the national level International Day of Persons with Disabilities, she says,
“This shift requires a change in mindset — from sympathy to respect, from simply giving to empowerment, and from assistance to the recognition of rights.”
The minister also urges that persons with disabilities be viewed as citizens capable of contributing to and leading the society.
Challenges faced by Disabled Persons
Nancy notes that physical accessibility gaps in rural areas, social stigma and lack of accurate data of persons with disabilities remain the present challenges.
In the employment sector, she states that the ministry is implementing Disability Equality Training (DET) and providing job coaching services to increase disabled persons participation across private and public sectors.
The minister remarks, that in an effort to empower people with disabilities, the National Action Plan for disabled persons will undergo review to align with the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008.
Nancy insists that with a deep understanding of the needs and rights of disabled persons, Malaysia will become an inclusive nation where every citizen is of value and given the space and opportunity to contribute.
“I urge society to focus on a person’s abilities, not their limitations. Inclusive support must come from everyone — the government, the private sector and the community,” she said.
Exemplary Parents Recognition
At the ceremony, Nancy presented awards to those who have contributed to the empowerment initiatives and persons with disabilities who have excelled in academics, sports and entrepreneurship.
She honored a 58-year-old couple who raised three children with disabilities, presenting them with the ‘Anugerah Ibu Bapa Mithali’, which translates to ‘Exemplary Parents Award.’
The couple, Abd Aziz Sehat and Roslina Rajudin, received the award for successfully raising their three special children — Zikri, 26, Zakwan, 25, and Zulhilmi, 19, to become independent entrepreneurs.
On receiving the recognition , Abd Aziz says the support extended by the government and the community had helped him and his wife raise their children.
The government has also provided facilities, such as schools for children with special needs.