QUICK COMMENT:
What do you think about the disabled senator's comments in Malaysiakini?
Do you think that what happened to MP Karpal Singh has nothing to do with him being disabled?
In other words, can our MPs have a free reign to insult disabilities of any MPs without sanctions?
Do you think that MADD was wrong to take up the issue of discrimination in Parliament?
Do you think that the disabled senator is fit to hold his position in representing the needs of all disabled Malaysians?
Tell us! Please share you thoughts with us in the COMMENTS section at the bottom of this page.
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aNt
PET+BLOGSPOT
malaysiakini story:
Visually impaired senator Dr Ismail Md Salleh today defended himself saying that he is doing his best in representing persons with disabilities.
However, he said certain quarters may have "different views" about this.
Ismail was responding to the Malaysians Against the Discrimination of the Disabled (MADD) who asked why the senator had kept silent on the discriminatory remarks made against wheelchair-bound DAP stalwart Karpal Singh in the Dewan Rakyat.
MADD also staged a protest in Parliament yesterday demanding an apology from Barisan Nasional MP Bung Mokhtar Radin and Independent MP Ibrahim Ali.
While Bung had challenged Karpal 'to stand up' during a heated exchange in the House, Ibrahim had criticised the DAP veteran for not seeking permission to address the House while seated.
Responding, Ismail said: "I don’t think they should make an issue about this. Karpal just happens to be disabled and it has nothing to do with the disabled."
Karpal became partially paralysed following a car accident two years ago.
'Toothless tiger'
Ismail also rebutted criticism that "nothing is happening" in relation to the Persons with Disabilities Act with regards to the rights of the disabled since the former was appointed senator.
The criticism came from Independent Living and Training Centre president G Francis Siva, who was present at yesterday’s protest.
"There are a lot of standard operation procedures to be taken," explained Ismail, adding that the Act is still in the process to be gazetted.
"We are waiting for the Ministry to get it done," he said.
The groups should wait until the 26th or 27th of this month when the Parliamentary session is over to get a decision, he added.
Ismail, who is also an adviser for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on disability issues, stressed that critics should not "question my capabilities."
However, MADD’s legal adviser N Surendran dismissed the Act, which was passed last December, as a "toothless tiger."
"It is a cosmetic attempt by the government to pretend that they are actually doing something for the disabled," he told a press conference in Parliament yesterday.
MADD also submitted a memorandum to Oppositon Leader and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail for the Act to be amended to include penalties against those who breach its provisions.
2 comments:
Senator Dr. Ismail has shown that he is ineffective, just another 'yes man' who sits down and does nothing for the disabled.
If the man has any integrity he should resign and the job should be given to someone who sincerely has the interests of the disabled in their heart.
While I'm here, I wonder what the general view is about Shahrizat getting RM 33,800 per month as adviser to PM Abdullah, in my view the money could be much better spent!
What say you?
doing his best pls. what you doing?
have you had a dialog with fellow OKU's and found out what has to be done.Different views are bound to be there so you must hear them out don't do things your be open and listen. MP Karpal is a Disable and he is one of our family member, if any one in your family is insulted will you keep quited. what do you mean he just became a Disable and has nothing to the disable this show that you are not fit ta act on behalf of the Disable and the person who appointed you a senator must have to look again weather you are the right choice we don't want this Disable Act to be gazetted cause it is not for the Disable.Pls. consult the other Disable groups before adviseing the Prime Minister
I think he has to many adviser, his Wife is the best adviser for him on the issue of the Disable Just like KA INDON.
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