By Ali Azmi
It is typical for Malaysians to refer first to our tapestry of cultures and faiths when we think of diversity and inclusion.
Our multiculturalism is a contradiction that defines who we are. I mean, calling ourselves “Malaysians” means nothing if not for our diversities of being. It is in this spirit that I raise the issue of the inclusion of people with disabilities in Malaysia.
Government efforts to create inclusive environments for people with disabilities have produced dismal results. Given this, it is easy to be cynical about the future.
But true transformation does not begin in the halls of power. It begins in our homes, workplaces and communities. It begins with how we treat, understand, and stand in solidarity with people with disabilities.
Limits of top-down change
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Malaysia’s commitment to disability rights exists – on paper. In 2008, Malaysia signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This was a landmark international treaty aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of people with disabilities.
Two years later, in 2010, Malaysia ratified the convention, signalling its intention to align local laws and policies with global standards.
However, a decade and a half later, Malaysia has not yet submitted its initial report to the UN – a requirement for states party to the convention. This failure is a stark reminder that promises made on paper are meaningless on their own.
We might have been able to forgive our deficient international efforts at staying accountable if progress had been achieved domestically. Unfortunately, this is not the case.
The gap in local implementation is blatant, as a recent open letter to MPs points out. The letter shows how our legal protections lag behind our Asian peers’. It also shows up the government’s inability to meet its own targets related to the hiring of people with disabilities.
Solidarity in action: A grassroots approach
To create a Malaysia that upholds justice, freedom and solidarity is, we need to be the change we want to see, as the saying goes.
It begins with how we treat people with disabilities in our everyday lives. Importantly, it also begins with how we understand people with disabilities. Do we see them as equals or as objects of pity? Do we listen to their voices or speak over them? And do we include them in our communities or exclude them out of ignorance or indifference?
Solidarity means more than just advocating for better policies.
It is also about embodying the values of justice and inclusion in our actions.
It is about using inclusive language, offering assistance without condescension and challenging the stereotypes that reduce people with disabilities to objects of pity or sources of inspiration.
And it is about recognising that disability is not a limitation but a part of the rich tapestry of our diversity.
As a nation, we pride ourselves on our ability to celebrate different races, religions and cultures.
Yet, this celebration of diversity often stops short of including people with disabilities. If our identity is truly founded on diversity, then we must extend the principles of inclusion to disability. Just as we stand against racism and religious intolerance, we must also stand against ableism.
Solidarity with people with disabilities is not just a moral imperative; it is a natural extension of who we are as the people of Malaysia.
Solidarity is more than a feel-good concept; it is a powerful force for change.
When we treat people with disabilities with kindness and respect, we challenge the stigma that excludes them.
When we listen to their stories and amplify their voices, we create a culture of inclusion.
And when we take action in our own communities – whether by organising disability-friendly events, advocating for inclusive practices at work, or simply educating ourselves and others – we create an inclusive reality.
Active solidarity that begins with our own behaviour and actions can transform society in ways that policies alone cannot.
Nevertheless, localised action is not the end all and be all of our efforts. The fact is, even with a more inclusive community, the government remains part of the picture. So we cannot neglect our role as political agents – governments need to not only be held accountable for their failures but pushed to do better.
The journey toward inclusion is a journey we must take together. It begins with seeing people with disabilities not as ‘others’ but as part of our shared community.
In a country as diverse as Malaysia, solidarity with our disabled community is not just a matter of policy – it is a reflection of who we are.
Ali Azmi, an Aliran member, is a research associate focusing on finding better ways to support communities and improve their quality of life. His work explores new ideas for sustainable and inclusive development, challenging traditional economic models and putting people’s needs and aspirations first.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
