Harapan OKU calls for review of laws for the disabled

PETALING JAYA: A group championing rights for the disabled is calling for the review of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 and other relevant laws.

The group, Harapan OKU, also called for the establishment of a "Commission for Disability Inclusion", which has enforcement powers, as well as the enactment of a "Disability Discrimination Act".

"This new law should provide legal action and punitive measures for non-compliance," they said in a statement on Monday (May 28).

It added the commission would monitor and ensure the successful implementation of policies and action plans to uphold the rights of all persons with disabilities in Malaysia," they said.

They claimed that the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 had been ineffective since its inception, and had not successfully made the changes needed to uphold the rights of the disabled as stated in the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

They added that a new law and the establishment of a commission should be within the purview of the Prime Minister's Department.

They also said that the commission should be answerable directly to the Prime Minister, in order to successfully integrate policies and laws across all Ministries associated with disability, including accessibility and universal design.

"Your leadership is the very driving force needed in transforming this nation forward and in achieving full equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in this country," said Harapan OKU.

Harapan OKU added that by 2040, people with disabilities and older persons would make up 34% of the population.

They added that issues such as housing, public spaces and amenities, transportation, education, employment, healthcare and other aspects of community and social life needed to be addressed immediately.