KUCHING: Gifted Children of Sarawak Association (GCSA) yesterday appealed to the new federal government to appoint senators from among qualified persons with handicaps (OKU) specifically to represent them.
GCSA president Rapelson Richard Hamit said the person appointed should be responsible for voicing out the plight and welfare of the downtrodden and other less privileged people.
He said the first disabled person appointed as a senator was a blind professor, Dr Ismail Salleh, in 2007 and a woman senator, Bathmavathi Krishnan, was appointed in 2016.
He pointed out that Persons With Disablity Act 2008 provided for the registration, protection, rehabilitation, development and well-being of persons with disabilities.
“In short, it removes barriers so that people with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments can fully and effectively participate in society,” said Raphelson.
He pointed out that the development of the disabled had not been given attention for two years under the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government which made 10 promises that included giving an allowance of RM800 each to the disabled and the elderly.
Thus, he hoped that the newly formed government would be more concerned about the development of the disabled.
“GCSA also congratulates Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for being appointed the eighth prime minister,” he said.
He said disabled persons also should be appointed to some important and professional positions both in state and federal governments.
According to him, there were many disabled persons who have diplomas, degrees, master degrees and even doctorates.
Rapelson also suggested that the associations for disabled persons be administered by qualified disabled persons.
GCSA’s registration was approved by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) on December 10 last year.
