Ras Adiba calls for correct definition of PwDs be used

KUALA LUMPUR: Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi has called on the media including social and digital media to use the correct and accurate definition of persons with disabilities (PwDs) or OKU in their official and unofficial matters.

Ras Adiba, who is also the president of OKU Sentral, a non-governmental organisation championing the rights of PwDs, said of late, many have been using the incorrect definition of OKU.

"The terms orang kelainan upaya (differently abled persons), orang istimewa (special people) or cacat (handicapped) are no longer used to portray a person's disabilities," she said in a statement, here, today.

"Moreover, the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 stipulates that persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may prevent their full and effective participation in society.

Hence, Ras Adiba who is also the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman, hopes that all media practitioners could set an example to the public in ensuring that the country is more inclusive.

-- BERNAMA