Disabled not a neglected group in Malaysia, says academician

The disabled are no longer regarded as a neglected group or victims of discrimination in the country, said Quest International University Perak Vice-Chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Hashim Yaacob.

Instead, he said, they were given attention and appreciation by the government to grab opportunities provided through the national education policy and system.

"In our current development era, the disabled are no longer known as those who are neglected and discriminated, but will become contributors towards the development of the country's human capital.

"Our existing government is concerned about the welfare of this group and hopes they can take advantage of all the opportunities provided," he told reporters after delivering a keynote speech at the National Level Disabled Science Humanities Seminar 2013 organised by the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Centre for Language Studies and Generic Development, here SAturday.

Dr Hashim said about 200,000 disabled in the country could make their own contributions towards the betterment of the nation.