30% job allocation for women vs 1% for the disabled

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

I refer to the recent statement made by the premier that the private sector has five years to ensure that women make up at least 30% of those in decision-making positions.

I welcome the initiative and support the view women with excellent track record should be given the opportunity to fill in high rank positions in GLCs.

As much as I was happy to hear such vision of the government, I wondered what has happened to the long established vision of the government to allocate 1% job opportunity for disabled individuals in the public sector.

The announcement was made years ago, and it has remained till today as an announcement. I have yet to see any campaign or follow –up plan drawn up to achieve the mission to provide 1% job opportunity for the disable.

I was rather puzzled to hear the news today the government had indeed fixed a dealline of five years to achieve the 30% job allocation for women in GLCs but how about the dealine for disabled minority in achieving the 1% quota?

The minister who is in charge for advocating the 30% allocation for women in GLCs is also responsible for the 1% job allocation for disabled vision.

The minister should take proactive steps to ensure the ministry comes out with a time frame and necessary plans to enable the long advocated vision of having disabled minority in public service are achieved.

If given a chance, I truly believe disabled community in this country will be a driving force in increasing the productivity of the nation.

The writer is v.murugeswaran president of the Damai Disabled Persons Association Selangor & WP