ON November 11, 2020, the Dewan Rakyat approved the motion to replace the previously-established 10 special select committees in Dewan Rakyat with nine new special select committees.

It made me think; why not establish a special select committee on disabled persons’ inclusion affairs?

Maybe some issues relating to the laws, for example, the review and amendment of the Persons with Disabilities Act, can be brought to the special select committee on fundamental liberty and constitutional rights, while other matters are maybe relevant for the special select committee on women and children affairs and social development.

In theory, disabled peoples’ issues can be brought to any of the nine new special select committees.

However, I am quite sceptical whether any of these committees will give equal attention to disabled persons’ issues relating to their respective areas of responsibility.

Plus, I do believe there are strong justifications for a special select committee on disabled persons’ inclusion affairs.

First, issues surrounding and affecting persons with impairments and/or chronic illnesses are cross-ministerial and cross-sectoral.

Their issues are not limited only to welfare aid. Instead, their issues overlap between different life dimensions such as the economy and income, education, healthcare, technology, infrastructure, transportation, social services, social protection, disaster management, and so forth.

Second, issues such as physical accessibility across this country necessitate close cooperation between the federal government, state governments, and local authorities.

Third, the agenda of disabled persons’ empowerment and inclusion in Malaysia closely ties to our country’s commitments at the international and regional levels, such as the Incheon Strategy and the Asean Enabling Masterplan 2025.

Hence, a special select committee on disabled persons’ inclusion affairs is expressly needed as a part of the check-and-balance mechanism so the government will fulfill its duties and achieve the targets stated in the international, regional, and national plans.

Finally, the establishment of the special select committee on disabled persons’ inclusion affairs can expand the channels for the disabled community and their organisations to raise their voices and concerns on various issues affecting them. This, ultimately, increases the participation of persons with impairments and/or chronic illnesses in our nation’s democratic processes.  – November 15, 2020.

* Muhamad Nadhir Abdul Nasir is a visually impaired independent consultant/researcher focusing on disability issues.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.