Unity council should have a rep from the disabled

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2013/11/29/unity-council-should-have-a-rep-from-the-disabled/

November 29, 2013

FMT LETTER: From V Murugeswaran, via e-mail

It is appalling to hear the newly-appointed senator Bathmavati saying that the country does not need national unity council. The current generation is facing a dilemma in identifying themselves as Malaysians first.

There have been many occasions and incidents in past which indicate that the national unity is an important factor which needs immediate attention.

Nearly everyday, either in mainstream media, opposition media or social network we hear stories related to racism or supremacy of one race and/or religion. The validity of such news is subject to verification.

But the fact that there are so much hatred and feeling being left out from the development of nation just because one belongs to particular race and/or community needs the government’s utmost attention.

Hence, the formation of national unity council is a right move which was long awaited one.

The council and its member should be given the chance to serve the people to ensure better racial integration among Malaysia.

We are not in the position to pre-judge the function and what can be achieved by the council without giving them a chance to carry out their duties.

The council will be a great platform for it members to discuss and comment with resolution on issues pertaining to all races and most importantly the formation of the same is line with the prime minister’s 1Malaysia aspiration.

With regards to the need of a disabled representative in the council, once again I have to disagree with Bathmavati.

There are many disabled advocates out there who have been fighting for disabled rights. Maybe the
newly elected senator has not been in touch with grassroots, which translates into such statement.

There are many pressing issues concerning disabled people in this country which need to be addressed. Hence, a
representation on behalf of all disabled irregardless of race is important and much welcomed.

The writer is president of the Damai Disabled Person Association Malaysia

Unity council needed due to existing racial, religious tensions, says NGO leader

Nation

Published: Wednesday November 27, 2013 MYT 3:56:00 PM
Updated: Wednesday November 27, 2013 MYT 3:59:16 PM

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/11/27/Unity-council-needed-NGO.aspx

BY TAN YI LIANG

   

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PETALING JAYA: The National Unity Consultative Council is needed due to current racial and religious tensions in Malaysian society, said Damai Disabled Person Association Malaysia president V.Murugeswaran.

"The current generation is facing a dilemma in identifying themselves as a Malaysian first.

"National unity is an important factor which needs immediate attention," said Murugeswaran in a press release issued on Tuesday.

Murugeswaran disagreed with the opinion of Dewan Negara Senator and Malaysian Confederation for the Disabled secretary Bathmavati Krishnan, who had said that there was no need for a representative on the council speaking for people with disabilities (OKU) in Malaysia.

On Tuesday, Bathmavati had said there was no need for a OKU representative on the council as almost all non-governmental organisations representing the interests of Malaysia's OKUs already assisted people regardless of race.

"There are many pressing issues concerning OKUs in this country which need to be addressed.

"A representation on behalf of all disabled - regardless of race - is important and much welcomed," said Murugeswaran.

On the Council itself, Murugeswaran said the 27-member council should be given a chance to serve the people and ensure better racial integration in Malaysia.

National Unity Consultative Council should have a representative from the disabled

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/11/26/PWD-OKU-Disable.aspx

Published: Tuesday November 26, 2013 MYT 5:43:00 PM 

BY TAN YI LIANG

Damai Disabled Persons Association president V Murugeswaran.

  

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PETALING JAYA: The recently-launched National Unity Consultative Council should include an appointee representing people with disabilities (PWD) in Malaysia, said Damai Disabled Persons Association president V Murugeswaran.

"Maybe the Prime Minister should re-look the appointments to allow a PWD to sit on the council to offer the viewpoints of Malaysia's PWDs. 

“I am concerned that out of the 27 people appointed, no one is representing the PWD community," he said to Star online.

He added that the Consultative Council was a good platform that is needed in Malaysia. 

The Council was launched on Monday is headed by Employees Provident Fund chairman Tan Sri Samsuddin Osman, with social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye serving as the council's deputy president.

Other members include Malaysian Bar Council immediate past president Lim Chee Wee and Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.

However Dewan Negara senator and Malaysian Confederation for the Disabled secretary Bathmavati Krishnan said there was no need for a PWD on the council.

"National unity cannot be taken like a chemical formula of components combined together and dressed up. It comes from mutual respect between the races where you see each other as Malaysians first.

"We should also learn the languages of other cultures, and this would promote unity in a working situation. Why must unity be limited to an appointed council," said Bathmavati.

She added that while she was not skeptical of the council, one could not legislate for unity. 

"We actually do not need this council, as you cannot just sit down and say that we must have unity," said Bathmavati.

Bathmavati pointed out that currently, almost all non-governmental organisations representing the interests of Malaysia's PWDs, such as Beautiful Gate, United Voice, and the Independent Living and Training Centre assisted all PWDs regardless of their race. 

"All their programs are organised for disabled persons of all races.

“We a microcosm of a multicultural society without realising it. Almost all of us cater for all races and we promote national unity in our way," she said.