Orang Kelainian Upaya

PENANG Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas has suggested that the term ‘orang kurang upaya’ (disabled persons) be changed to ‘orang kelainan upaya’ (people with different capabilities).

He said the name change was necessary as the connotation suggested that the disabled lacked in abilities.

“I believe we should not hurt the feelings of these special people by addressing them as disabled.

“They have many other abilities that we should be proud of,” he said when closing the Telematch for Disabled Children 2008 at Dataran Pemuda Merdeka in Butterworth last Sunday.

State Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said he agreed with Abdul Rahman’s suggestion, noting that many disabled people, especially the blind, had a good sense of feeling and hearing.

“I have asked the State Welfare Department to retain the abbreviation, OKU, but to change it from ‘orang kurang upaya’ to ‘orang kelainan upaya’ in its future references,” he said.

Earlier, Phee said the telematch provided an opportunity for the disabled to show their talents and potentials in sporting activities, apart from allowing them to integrate with the public.

“The disabled may not feel ostracised if everyone adopts a caring culture to include them in the mainstream of society,” he said.

Phee said the state had allocated RM624,360 to 24 Community Rehabilitation Centres (PDK) in Penang this year, adding that another RM6mil had been allocated to 23 charitable non-governmental organisations.