(Source: Petpositive)
Fellow mariner Capt. Abdul Karim Stuart Russell, a regular commenter in my blog, is a man who likes to walk the talk. Although retired, he is still active as adviser to the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive) and Secretary for the Support Group Society for the Blind of Malaysia or Supporteam.
In recent letters to Malaysiakini and the NST, Capt. Karim wrote: "The International Day of Disabled Persons on Dec 3 was yet another wonderful opportunity to promote understanding and increase public awareness of disability issues, and to promulgate the importance of integration and the well-being of people with disabilities." However, he expressed disappointment that little is still being done to help them access facilities, transport, etc.
"Half-hearted action, lip service, discrimination and marginalisation will not help disabled persons in Malaysia live an independent, integrated, dignified, equitable, productive, and happy lives during which they can raise a family and contribute to the well-being of their family and the nation. Effective, well-thought out and wide-ranging legislation and strict enforcement outlawing the discrimination of persons with disabilities will be a concrete step forward," he added. "Malaysia," Capt. Karim asserts,"needs a comprehensive Disability Discrimination Act."
Way to go, Stu.
The Blackest Sunday was followed by a Blackest Monday when 30 Opposition leaders, NGOs & Protesters were taken in & so was the Hindraf leader P. Uthayakumar who was released on bail, rearrested and handcuffed ALL under IGP orders. And in Parliament, the Amendment Bill went through with the 2/3 majority to nil when the 16 MPs walk out in protest before the vote. The Memo (titled “Say No to the ‘Save Rashid’ Amendment to the Constitution”) was eventually handed over to Dr Wan Azizah who received it on behalf of a group of opposition members of Parliament. Meanwhile the Anwar Ibrhim was “delayed” at KLIA on his return as a “chop was needed” and not “held”
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spot on, capt Russell, sir!
ReplyDeletewe've had the national-level celebration on that very date annually. year in, year out our grouses are forwarded to the relevant authority but nothing much has been done.
our time spent lobbying for a better, accessible tranport service fell on deaf ear, which i kinda knew that was coming.
we simply need more of our voices to be heard. for a start, give us some spot in the primetime news, AS one of the HEADLINERS.
always glad to have someone like capt russell tho. we have so much things to work on. but our task is to get them responsible people to listen first. now thats a tough one.