He was born without legs and had only one arm. Despite the cruel twist of fate, Tuah Atan beat all the odds to become a lawyer.

Now, the 45-year-old father of one, who runs a legal firm in Malacca, wants to make a difference in the lives of other disabled people.

In order to do so, Tuah wants to start with able-bodied people who are insensitive to the plight of the disabled.

When met at the sidelines of a public forum in Shah Alam today, he said public awareness on the needs of the disabled is still low despite protective laws.

"I'm not really worried about the available by-laws because the relevant authorities are very strict on protecting rights for the disabled," he said.

He also reprimanded parliamentarians who were insensitive towards disabled people. Tuah said this in reference to Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs who make fun of DAP stalwart Karpal Singh for being confined to a wheelchair.

"Elected representatives must behave in the way the constituents expect them to behave regardless of political agenda and ideology," he added.

Tuah was one of several invited speakers at the forum titled 'understanding the disabled and public's role in ensuring a better future for them' which was attended by some 50 people. It was jointly organised by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and the Rotary Club.

Affirmative action

Tuah said the biggest problem was the abuse of facilities meant for the disabled.
"I'm talking about able-bodied persons who use the parking spaces or lifts meant for the disabled. We have a system [to punish them]. Why not enforce them better?"

Tuah also suggested affirmative action for the disabled, especially for disabled students.

"Currently there are special allowances for disabled students. This is to cover the extra costs of studying in school and using the buses. It helps them get started," he said, adding that allowances should be increased.

"I'm for scholarships. Not many of us have a chance to go to higher learning institutions. If you manage to get there, it would be a symbol of appreciation [to the government].

"It will also provide a chance for recognition, to motivate and challenge other PWDs (people with disabilities) to strive for success," he said.

Tuah also said that the private sector should be considerate in its approach to the working environment for the disabled.

"It would be a good if the private sector has a matter of policy to provide room [for the disabled].

"By giving us the space, giving that allowance, you are not losing any of your rights or whatever that you are used to. There's nothing lost because we are part of society," he said.

The other speakers at the forum were Malaysian Down Syndrome Association president Dr Sharifah Zainiyah Syed Yahya and Wheelchair Foundation president Thomas Behring.

Behring announced that a total of 2,500 wheelchairs worth over RM600,000 would be distributed among disabled persons in Malaysia with the help of the Rotary Club.