KUCHING, Feb 23: Persatuan Anak Istimewa Sarawak (Perais) is urging the government to expedite the implementation of a 1 per cent quota for people with special needs (OKU) in the public sector, including giving the latter opportunities to hold important positions in the government and government-linked companies (GLCs).
Its president Rapelson Richard Hamit said they want to see more OKU given opportunities to hold key positions in the federal and Sarawak governments such as senatorships, as well as positions in GLCs and local government.
“In addition, the one per cent allocation for OKU in the public sector should be implemented immediately,” he said in a statement today.
Rapelson also emphasised the need to enact and implement exclusive laws to better protect and provide for the welfare and well-being of people with special needs.
“The Disabilities Act 2008 is only a guideline and not a law to protect these group, considering it does not provide action, fines and penalties against offenders who may violate the rights of OKU,” he added.
On Perais’ hopes for the 2023 Budget by Prime Minister Dato Sri Anwar Ibrahim which will be unveiled tomorrow (Feb 24), Rapelson hoped to see a disability-inclusive and responsive budget to increase dignity and empower people with special needs in all aspects.
“We hope there will be an increase in budget to improve access to facilities and infrastructure, job creation, and special funding to encourage, assist and empower OKU in entrepreneurship and agriculture as well as for training programmes.
“This budget should be targeted at OKU without being mixed with the women and children development budget,” he said.
Rapelson also suggested that a 50 per cent discount should be re-introduced for utility and telecommunication bills, public transportation fares, airfares, e-hailing fares, housing and national vehicle purchases to reduce the financial burden and ease the mobility of OKU. — DayakDaily
