BY: NAEMA NAYAN

Many disabled persons complain of their inability to move around freely and seamlessly in public as the city and town planners have failed to factor them in the growth and development of open public spaces.

Their difficulties are compounded by the fact that their complaints for the authorities to look into their plight have fallen on deaf ears as officials keep mum and display an uncaring, apathetic and indifferent attitude.

When will there be that vital and necessary change? Is it really so hard to accommodate the disabled or is it just bureaucracy as public funds have to be spent on this minority group in the country.

Civic groups and non governmental organizations have recently gone to the ground to assist the disabled by assessing their complaints which will then be forwarded to the authorities for action to be taken accordingly.

But the disabled feel little hope in the belief that there will be change, whether those on wheelchairs, the blind or those using crutches, life is miserable when they find themselves stuck in difficult circumstances.

But many Malaysians who are aware of the plight of the disabled contend that the government should set an example and lead the way by sincerely giving thought and consideration to improve the Quality of Life of the disabled.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher