PUTRAJAYA: A look of excitement was evident on the faces of some 200 persons with disabilities (OKU) as they joined thousands of others at the launch of the 2022 National Day and Fly the Jalur Gemilang celebrations here.
The group took part in the 2.7km “Berjalan Teguh Bersama” programme, along with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Cabinet members.
The brisk walk, which started from Dataran Putra, took participants to various locations including the Alaf Baru Monument before ending at Dataran Putrajaya yesterday.
Performances, including those by the Orang Asli, were held at various pit stops.
Firdaus Shukor, 30, who is physically disabled, said his participation in the event was driven by his desire to “walk” with thousands of other Malaysians.
“Other people can walk; so can I – but in my own way, using my wheelchair. I’m having fun,” said the national fencing athlete.
OKU Sentral president Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi said she was happy to meet many of her friends.
“It is an exciting day. We came for the launch and I am happy to be able to stroll on my wheelchair,” she told Bernama, adding that her disabled friends were all excited to be at the event.
“The people came out in droves to celebrate. It’s amazing,” she said.
D. Kamala Devi, who was accompanied by her husband and two sons, aged six and eight, said they left their house in Taman Puchong Perdana, some 20km away, as early as 7am.
She said she got to know about the programme from a teacher at her son’s school.
She brought her two children there so they could meet other Malaysians and see the country’s leaders in person.
“My eldest son also took a picture with the convoy (Kembara Merdeka Keluarga Malaysia 2022) team,” she added.
Another participant, Anuar Rashadi from Petaling Jaya, suggested that such a programme should be held periodically to celebrate the country’s diverse society.
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