The recent mob assault of a person with disability in Terengganu does not augur well for inclusion in Malaysian society.

It highlights the lack of tolerance and understanding of persons with disabilities. 

This is not an isolated situation. We see persons with disabilities (PwDs) discriminated against and abused frequently: from physical and/or sexual abuse of PwDs, school bullying of OKU children by non-disabled children and teachers, the discrimination faced by PwDs in employment, to government authorities’ neglect of amendment and enforcement of disability legislation to prevent discrimination and build infrastructure and services supportive of the mobility and meaningful participation of PwDs in mainstream society. 

Such abuse of persons with disabilities is a serious human rights violation.

The vast number of incidents that happen go underreported, as we lack any coherent system and legislation to prevent discrimination against PwDs.

While our neighbouring countries have made significant progress we have regressed. 

Many will argue that such abuse is the result of lack of awareness and education. But a realistic view is that PwDs are stigmatised and discriminated against because our society is not inclusive and lacks compassion.

We are, at large, an intolerant society; intolerant of diversity on many fronts and on many levels, not only regarding disability but also gender, age, ethnicity, stateless communities, etc. 

While we would like to encourage a culture of compassion for and understanding of persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children, those in vulnerable situations and for all Malaysians, this cannot happen without clear leadership and direction from the government at every level. 

If we are serious about change, then it must start with the government.

There have been numerous calls for the urgent amendment of article 8(2) of the Federal Constitution to expressly prohibit discrimination on the ground of disability and the comprehensive amendment of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2008 to align it with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Government action on both will send a clear message that all Malaysians, with or without disabilities, have a legitimate right to, and expectation of, not being discriminated against. 

The public need to recognise that what we do to improve the inclusion of PwDs will benefit society at large.

Conversely what we fail to do for the disability community will have a significant negative impact on all of society.

If we want an inclusive, caring and compassionate society, we need to advocate for and promote inclusion in every area of society.

If we do not fight against discrimination in all areas, we will not achieve the inclusion as befits a developed nation. 

As a society we need to move away from passive inclusion, the mere lip-service recognition of disability rights, to active inclusion, justice for every person in all areas of Malaysian society. 

Signatories:

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
San Yuenwah
Anit Kaur Randhawa
Ng Lai-Thin
The OKU Rights Matter Project