L-R: Tey Hong Eng, Sia Siew Chin, Ng Peng Wai, Chan Ming Lai after casting their vote at the SJK (C) Puay Chai polling centre in SS2
KLANG: Members of the disabled community are out in full force in various locations to exercise their rights as Malaysians.
Damai Disabled Persons Association president V. Murugeswaran said it is crucial for disabled people to come out and vote if they want to push for disabled-friendly policies to be formulated.
“I want to exercise my obligation as a Malaysian as well as play a role in selecting a government that is aware of the importance of having succinct policies for the disabled community,’’ said Murugesan.
He had cast his vote at Sekolah Menengah Subang Bestari in the Sungai Buloh parliamentary constituency.
Murugeswaran hoped that the government that will be elected this time around will ensure that all the past promises made to the community will be met.
Malaysia Independent Living Association for Disabled president Sia Siew Chin who went to cast her vote at the Damansara parliamentary constituency at SJK (C) Puay Chai in SS2, said that all disabled people must ensure they vote.
“We have to do whatever we can to pick the right people to govern the nation and whom we can rely on to take care of our needs,’’ said Sia.
Wheelchair user Sia said the government that is voted in must make sure it does not drag its feet when dealing with matters and policies related to the disabled community.
“Policies and infrastructure must be in place, like how it is in developed countries to enable disabled people to live independently,’’ said Sia.
She said it was not easy to do so currently as it was still not safe for disabled people to go out on their own due to damaged ramps that are left unrepaired as well as potholes in some parts of the road.
Sia’s friends who voted with her were wheelchair users Tey Hong Eng, Ng Peng Wai and Chan Ming Lai.
Little People National Organisation of Malaysia adviser Dr Ruziah Ghazali, who went home to Tampin to vote, said every vote was valuable.
“It helps determine which group of people are elected to rule the country for the next five years and it is our right to choose whom we want,’’ said Dr Ruziah.
She added that she wanted to play her part in pushing for the right people to get into the government and look after the best interest of the disabled community.
Universiti Putra Malaysia lecturer Dr Mastura Mahamed, who is living with cerebral palsy said the onus was on the disabled community to seek high impact representation for their community in the government.
She added those coming in must be able to have better policies to be implemented to ensure the well being of all disabled people.
“We must have leaders who are aware that more comprehensive policies are needed as opposed to policies that just take care of disabled people living in poverty,’’ she added.
According to Dr Mastura disabled people faced the same high expenses regardless of whether they were from the B40, M40 or even T20 communities in regards to paying for the various therapies, maintenance and sustenance they needed.
“Take me for instance, I have to spend some RM60,000 annually for the various therapies I need due to my disability. So, it is important for us to pick a government which will look into these things to improve our quality of life,’’ she added.
