PWDs or OKUs make up 15% of the Malaysian population. It is only appropriate that they should not be an afterthought in our nation building efforts. The physical and mental challenges faced by PWDs should not be an obstacle for them to participate in our social, economic, and political sectors.
HARAPAN is aware that the facilitation of policies and conducive environments for PWDs is required to ensure that they are not left behind. Therefore, efforts to defend the disabled must be amplified to ensure that they move forward with the rest of the nation in our efforts to develop the country.
Setting Up PWD Department/Agency
To ensure that disabled citizens are able to live comfortable lives in the future, issues pertaining to the PWD community such as lack of adequate infrastructure and gaps in the education system must be promptly solved. HARAPAN will establish an agency dedicated to coordinating assistance and allocation from various ministries. This agency will also act as a facilitator to ensure that issues of welfare, needs and future challenges, and quality of life for the PWDs are prioritised.
Appointment of PWD Commissioner in SUHAKAM
To protect the human rights of the PWDs, it is only appropriate that a PWD commissioner is appointed in the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM). This appointment will help champion their rights and combat against all forms of discrimination targeted towards them.
Accessibility for the PWDs
Increasing the number of facilities and public transportation that are PWD-friendly while also ensuring that development projects fulfil Universal Design standards. It is time to recognise that the needs of the PWDs in public facilities and public transportation cannot be neglected.
Special Allocation for PWD Education
To ensure that the PWD educational agenda is prioritised and facilitate improvement of the OKU education system in regards to delivery efficiency such as teachers’ training, providing infrastructure for classes, and increasing the number of classes, a special allocation for PWDEducation will be provided.