6 March 2023
On 19 January 2023, Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim
introduced and launched the Malaysia Madani agenda as the main agenda for his
administration. The Rakyat irrespective of social and economic background welcomes
the Prime Minister’s aspiration that is proactive, progressive, and timely.
In his speech, the Prime Minister touched on key issues such as good
governance, democracy, social justice, recognition of the rights of all citizens,
economic and social well-being of the people, and other critical aspects.
YAB Prime Minister in a clear and unequivocal manner had stressed that the direction
of the country must be guided by significant priorities that requires a cross-cutting
approach across political, social, economic, environmental and technological aspects.
The aspiration of Malaysia Madani has touched on the issues and needs of the
Rakyat, especially marginalized groups which includes Persons with Disabilities
(PwDs).
After perusing the contents of Malaysia Madani Agenda, we see a window of
opportunity for the government to strengthen its approach to disability-inclusive
development into all elements of national and community development.
Therefore, We urge the Government of Malaysia to take the following actions
immediately:
- Upgrade the PwD Development Department (JPOKU) to a full-fledged
department under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development
(KPWKM) with at least 50% of officers and employees with disabilities. If there is
no qualified PwD candidate for the position of director, a goal should be set to
have a PwD JPOKU director within five years. - Set up a Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Persons with
Disabilities’ Affairs and table the full report of the National Action Plan for
Persons with Disabilities 2016-2022.
- Establish a Disability Affairs Unit under the Office of the Chief Secretary of
each Ministry and the Office of the Secretary of State Governments. The
Disability Affairs Unit will be responsible for;
a. Implementing the 1% disabled public servants policy in every ministry
and state government.
b. Providing advice and support to heads of departments that had just
hired PwD workers as well as the PwD workers themselves
c. Ensuring ministries and government bodies or government linked
corporations implement policies related to disabled communities such
as the National Disability Action Plan 2016-2022, the Persons with
Disabilities Act 2008, By-laws 34A of the Uniform Building Bylaws
(UBBL34A), Zero Reject Policy in schools and the Inclusive Education
Policy in higher education institutions. - Establishing a Disability Rights Commission with the members appointed
among qualified PwDs with each member representing a different category of
PwDs. This commission will be responsible for educating the disabled community
on their rights, advising on policy and legislation, and conducting investigations.
This is to ensure that the rights of the disabled community in Malaysia are fought
for and that every violation of the rights of the disabled is investigated and
resolved. - Increasing the number of Senators representing Persons with Disabilities
from different categories of PwDs. Improve the nomination, screening and
appointment process for the positions of Senators representing PwDs, members
of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and members of
the technical committees under the NCPWD. Provide a directory system so that
Senators, members of NCPWD and members of technical committees can be
contacted openly.
The empowerment, development and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities must
be embedded as part of the pillars and commitment of Malaysia Madani.
A great civilisation should be measured by its success in recognising and embracing
diversity.
Good governance needs to be measured by its ability to support and include the
most marginalised groups of people.
- Boleh Space
- Society of the Blind in Malaysia (SBM)
- Deaf Advocate & Well-Being National Council Malaysia (DAWN)
- National Early Childhood Intervention Council (NECIC)
- Rangkaian Solidariti Demokratik Pesakit Mental (SIUMAN)
- United Voice