I woke up at 11am to read in one of the online news portals that the new Prime Minister for Malaysia was just sworn in. Now that I am wide awake, I would like to convey my heartiest congratulations to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for becoming Malaysia’s sixth Prime Minister.
May he lead the country to greater heights with his wisdom and charisma. May he blast sense into the skulls of his ministers and government officials that disabled people need equalization of opportunities NOW instead of one blurry day in the future.
Disabled people need access to the built environment and public transport in order to access other essential sectors such as education, employment and medical care. At the same time, it will improve our quality of life by allowing us to participate in social, cultural, religious and political activities as well.
Yes, disabled people would like to make their votes count too if they can get to the voting centres. Just imagine, what 2.7 million potential votes from disabled people can do during the elections. Whether we realize it or not, at 10% of the population, disabled people form one of the larger minority groups in Malaysia. That is food for thought.
I have digressed. Anyway, whether Malaysia rides into the sunset or into a new dawn is very much in his hands now. Congratulations again to the new Prime Minister. May he find the strength to shake off the ghost of his past to guide the nation through the stormy seas that we are in now.