Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Disabled, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said today.
She said the Cabinet had agreed to the ministry‘s request for Malaysia to sign the convention.
She, however, added that ratifying the convention by Malaysia would take a little bit more time. "So, we must make preparations for the ratification. Once ratified, Malaysia is bound by the convention."
Shahrizat said among others, the convention provided for the right of the disabled to have equal rights to the law, the right not to be discriminated against due to their disabilities, the right to own and inherit property, and the right to education, health services and facilities, and employment.
She said the theme, "Together Developing Human Capital Among the Disabled", was chosen for this year‘s Disabled Day celebration, to stress on the importance of providing equal opportunities for the disabled in various spheres of life.
"The ministry, with the cooperation of non-governmental organisations and other sectors, will help to build a new era for the disabled, including setting up a centre of excellence for them soon," she said at the Disabled Day celebration held at the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, near here.
The first cerebral palsy person to receive a doctorate in this country, Dr Ng Chee Kyun, was bestowed the "Excellent Disabled Person" award at the function, while Vacuumschnmelse (M) Sdn Bhd received the "Most Caring Employer" award and PDK Perbikat in Bintulu, the "Best Community Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled" award.
Also awarded were places with disabled-friendly facilities, namely the One Utama Shopping Centre, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort in Kota Kinabalu, DiGi Telecommunications headquarters in Shah Alam and the Subang Jaya Municipal Council building.
Source: www.bernama.com (4 Desember 2007)