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I do read his articles in the Star at times - he writes about disability issues and also reviews worldwide radio channels. Hope that Mr Anthony will not only represent the disabled people, but all Malaysians. At the same time, he should impress on other councilors to consider the plight of the disabled people as well.

All the best to you sir!

http://malaysiakini.com/news/84837
S Pathmawathy | Jun 21, 08 1:37pm
Wheelchair-bound Anthony Thanasayan has been at the forefront of advocating the rights of the disabled for the past decade and local authorities have regularly been the brunt of his criticism. So it was no surprise when he describes his recent appointment as one of Petaling Jaya’s 24 city councillor as “a calling”. “This is a chance given to me to make a difference, so to me it is a calling from God to take up the position,” said Anthony, who heads the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association.

And even before he was officially made a councillor, Anthony had already came across a MBPJ officer who would use some lessons in sensitivity when dealing with the disabled.

Yesterday, he had a discomforting call from the officer who wanted Anthony to fill up certain paperwork pertaining to his appointment as a councillor. “The office called me and asked me to come over to the MBPJ office immediately to pick up the forms and to submit a photo but how can they expect me to show up whenever they like knowing my condition,” lamented Anthony. “When they thought of hiring a disabled person they must have been prepared to make changes necessary to accommodate to the needs of the disabled persons,” he reiterated.

Geared for change

The episode with the MBPJ officer reminded Anthony that he has an uphill task ahead of him, but the plucky activist believes that he is ready to face any challenges to champion the rights of the disabled in the council. “I’m happy I was given the opportunity, as this is a chance for a disabled person to speak for the disabled rather than having an able-bodied person to voice our concerns,” he said.

“We (the disabled) believe that we must be apart of any decisions made for us. There is an international saying among us disabled - ‘nothing about us without us’. Therefore, I’m happy I’ll be apart of the decision-making process,” he added.

Anthony said his first agenda was to propose for specials queues and parking lots for the disabled and elderly as these amenities are not available at all avenues in Petaling Jaya.  “The previous government promised us many things but nothing really materialised. I feel like I’m under house arrest because I’m not able to go to the neighbourhood grocery shop because it is not disable friendly,” he said.

“All this has to change and I’ll speak up for it until it does. And I won’t hesitate to quit, if I don’t see anything materialising,” he stressed.

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Well, this is one case where MIED helped the guy with some financial support in terms of loan. Perhaps MIC should use him as an ambassador

This guy wrote to various people for financial help, but not sure if those letters ended up in the correct place. Obviously those affected will have to provide reasons why he was not offered any help.

Anyway, all the best to Mugilan. May the force be with you!

Mugilan Re Ko is geared to set himself apart from the common by pursuing his childhood fantasy: to look down at planet Earth from outer space. The 20 year-old aeronautical student is confident that nothing can hamper his dreams of becoming an astronaut by 2018.

“This has been my dream since I was five and I know I wouldn’t be happy unless I pursue my dream,” he said in an interview with Malaysiakini. Amazed and captivated by a picture book on space travel given to him during his toddler days, Mugilan explained his only aspiration ever since was to be involved in exploring the universe.

The beginning

“My dad taught me to think big and to aim big. Nothing’s impossible when one’s heart is in the right place,” he asserted. Mugilan said with the support of his parents and sibling, he was always encouraged to only work towards the best in pursuit of his dreams. Continue Reading »

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Not sure how many of us still remember a lad by the name of Krishnamoorthy. He became famous last year during Raya holidays after saving people from a sinking ferry. There were lots of brouhaha over the apparent lack of appreciation for him. He did get RM10K from Kiwanis, appreciation certificate from Transport Minister,  but he was interested in getting a better job. After that, no news about him. This time, he is awarded an Unity Chain (along with RM5k). Six others also were honoured.

PUTRAJAYA: Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and Datuk Michael Chong were among seven personalities honoured for their extensive contribution towards unity, peace and harmony among Malaysians.

Social activist Lee, 62, was named Tokoh Perpaduan (Unity Hero) while Chong, head of the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department was awarded the Kalung Perpaduan (Unity Chain) by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The awards were given in conjunction with the launch of Unity Month yesterday.
With a bang: Najib hitting a giant drum to signify the launch of Unity Month on Sunday. Helping him is Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

The other Tokoh Perpaduan was former Sabah Yang di-Pertua Tun Sakaran Dandai.

Other Kalung Perpaduan recipients were cartoonist Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid, better known as Lat, S. Krishnamoorthy, Nafisah Abdullah and Mohd Afzal Hamzah.

Sakaran was honoured for his active role in promoting religious understanding in Sabah.

Lat received the honour for educating the public on racial integration through his cartoons and animation series while Nafisah was honoured for saving a Chinese woman and her nine-month-old baby in a fire in Kota Baru last year.

Nineteen-year-old “ferry fire hero” S. Krishnamoorthy received the Kalung Perpaduan because of his heroic act in saving 18 lives during a ferry fire off the coast of Mersing last year while labourer Mohd Afzal saved a Chinese woman from being a snatch theft victim in an incident in Brickfields last year.

source

Najib also presented medals to five other heroes and heroines for their acts of heroism and service which cut across racial barriers - MCA Public Complaints Bureau head Datuk Michael Chong; cartoonist Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid who is better known as Lat; S. Krishnamoorthy, who single-handedly rescued 19 people in the Mersing ferry tragedy; Mohd Afzal Hamzah, who came to the aid of a snatch theft victim and caught her attacker; and Nafisah Abdullah, who rescued her Chinese neighbour’s baby in a fire.

Krishnamoorthy, 19, said the award was an unexpected honour as he felt he was just doing what he had to do.

source

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