The Bar Council is advocating for legislative reforms to promote inclusivity and equality in Malaysia, focusing on adding “disability” to Articles 8(2) and 12(1) of the Federal Constitution and amending the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act 2008. To support these efforts, the Bar Council Ad Hoc Committee on Persons with Disabilities is hosting a forum titled “Understanding Disability Issues in Malaysia” on 16 November 2024.
The forum will bring together stakeholders, including policymakers, advocates, and members of the disabled community, to discuss key disability-related issues, propose necessary changes, and plan actionable steps. The aim is to enhance understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and work collectively toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
The forum featured four key topics. The first was An Overview of the Federal Constitution and PWD Act 2008 – Why Reform is Needed, presented by Meera Samanther. The second topic, Women with Disabilities and How the Legal System Can Make a Difference, was addressed by Beatrice Leong. The third, Disability Issues in the Criminal Justice System, was presented by Sangeet Kaur Deo of Karpal Singh & Co. The final session was a panel discussion titled Understanding Disability Discrimination.
The Panel Discussion on Understanding Disability Discrimination focused on the systemic challenges and barriers faced by individuals with disabilities and explored ways to combat discrimination. The discussion emphasized the need for legislative reforms, inclusive practices, and robust advocacy efforts to create a more equitable society.
The panel featured three distinguished speakers, each bringing unique expertise to the conversation. Surendra Ananth, an advocate and solicitor and a member of the Bar Council Ad Hoc Committee on Persons with Disabilities, provided insights into the legal and policy dimensions of disability discrimination, particularly in banking services. He also emphasized the importance of legal practitioners engaging in pro bono work. Offering an international perspective, Chatchai Aphibanpoonpon, founder of Klong Dinsor, shared innovative approaches and strategies to foster inclusivity and accessibility in Thailand.
Dr. Anthony Chong, the secretary and founder of the Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation Malaysia, discussed the ongoing case of a Deaf driver, Ong Ing Keong, who was treated unjustly and pressured into closing the case against his will. He also highlighted an incident where a Deaf individual was wrongfully detained and sent for a one-week mental health evaluation, despite repeatedly informing the police of their Deafness. Dr. Anthony raised concerns about the quality of BIM interpreters provided in court for Deaf plaintiffs or defendants. He stressed that interpreters lacking adequate fluency in BIM, as they are not professionally vetted by the Deaf community, could lead to serious misinterpretations and ultimately, wrongful judgments.
Together, the speakers offered a holistic understanding of disability discrimination and practical steps to address these issues, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.