Senator to the Rescue

Oh yes, finally its happening. Although after reading it this morning I wondered to myself why they didn't think of this like 5 decades ago, personally I’m grateful enough. Someone from the disabled community has been appointed as senator and so much so to represent the disabled community, so I shouldn’t be bitching about it too much.

Academician Prof. Datuk Dr Ismail Md Salleh (pic), who is visually-challenged took the oath at the Dewan Negara yesterday. He was delighted with the appointment, and I’d say so are we, and I couldn’t think of anyone better than Dr Ismail himself.

All these while our voices were not heard as much but with him around, we sure are cranking up the volume and get those responsible to turn their head and acknowledge that we have our rights too.

But again, why only now, when we’ve had Datuk Jins Samsuddin in the Dewan representing local artistes for ages now. Not that I’m implying anything but didn’t they realize grouses concerning the disabled community have been around since like, the beginning of civilization?

Ok, I’m not gonna push my luck. After all, Dr Ismail has pledged to bring up issues of immediate concern, such as education, job opportunity and facilities for the disabled.

This may come as a surprise to some and news to many but credits should be given when it is due. Private corporations and GLCs have taken up the challenge thrown by the government to employ more persons with disability to work with them. Yea, we’ve had a fairly good and equal opportunity offered from a few corporate companies, and surely more to come.

Facility-wise, though, is still very much lacking. Building structures, and transportation especially needs a great deal of improvement in order to encourage more Persons With Disability(PWD) to come out and to at least rejoin the society. Its more like a first step for things to open up before they start thinking about furthering their studies and eventually get a job. I mean, how in the world for the physically disabled to be independent when one had to go through many obstacles as soon as they steps out of the house?

Sure, with some modifications, some are able to drive their car to classes, workplace and to simply run errands, but still majority of PWDs are not fortunate enough to even own a lousy Kapchai, let alone to ride on one, physically and for various other reasons.

I’m not going to spoil this entry by bitching all the way but its going to be a tough task ahead for Dr. Ismail. On the brighter note, he has Datuk Seri Sharizat Abd Jalil he can count on.

Yes, I’m beginning to like this lady. I wouldn’t mind providing the link to the actual report but I doubt anyone would even bother to click and read it. Can’t really blame anyone, I’m guilty of such unforgivable sin myself.

So anyway, she played an instrumental role in successfully getting the Persons With Disability Bill passed last week. And today, this was what she had to say of the said bill…

“We do not want to have a bill which is nice to look at but can’t be implemented. This is a realistic bill for the disabled.”

Yes, well said. Time to really walk the talk, I say.

In the mean time, MORE POWER to Dr. Ismail Md Salleh!