周美芬：打造無障礙社會‧官員須重視傷殘者需求

星洲日報／大都會‧2009.08.01

周美芬（右）為全國傷殘擁護與醒覺運動主持開幕禮。右2和右3：聯合國發展計劃大馬代表卡瑪瑪特拉和世紀學院院長慕哈末阿旺。（圖：星洲日報）

（雪蘭莪‧八打靈再也）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬說，政府當局的決策者和執行官，須對傷殘人士的需求有高度醒覺和重視，特別是在規劃公共建設，應考量後者的福利和權益，以打造親善和無障礙社會的目標。

她說，這是避免事後傷殘和弱勢群體因有關基建設計不適，投訴當局，而較後當局撥款重新修建卻遭民眾指責浪費公款。

她週五（7月31日）為全國傷殘擁護與醒覺運動主持開幕禮後在新聞發佈會上提到最近八打靈再也市政廳花費18萬令吉，修建加星路無障礙設施的行人道，引起一些民眾不滿。

據悉，這行人道提昇不及半年，又再動工加設無障礙設施，包括提昇為有蓋溝渠、盲人步道、自控交通燈的人行道（Pelicancrossing）、移走所有的障礙物等。

靈市政廳須另花費18萬令吉進行有關工程。

周美芬：若馬華中央直選‧女黨員主宰總會長命運

星洲日報‧2009.08.01


(photo by Mak)

（玻璃市‧加央）馬華婦女組主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬說，婦女黨員佔了馬華94萬黨員的38%，如果馬華採納直選中央領袖，那麼婦女組黨員無疑是決定每屆總會長“生死”的“關鍵人物”。
也是玻州馬華主席的周美芬週五（7月31日）晚上出席2009玻州婦女組代表大會時也說，婦女組的黨員從這一刻開始，必須儘量拉攏和喚醒一些“沉睡許久”的黨員，積極活動，以便在面對挑戰時能從容應對。

永遠默默支持母體
她強調，婦女組會永遠默默的支持母體，不會搞破壞。

玻州馬華婦女組主席黃金蓮則勸請各造不要再花無謂的時間對別人作人身攻擊，相反的應集中精神為民服務，及做好份內的事。

周美芬：沒資本內亂‧黨穩定最重要

光明日報‧2009.08.01
（玻璃市．加央）馬華玻州聯委會主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，在目前的局勢下，黨的穩定才是最重要的。

“馬華現在已經沒有資本再亂了，我們不可以成為導致馬華分裂的那個摧手，也不願意看到馬華在這個風雨飄搖的時候變形。”

她說，她對黨員有信心，只要黨員保持愛黨精神，馬華就能繼續在國內保有一席之位。

周美芬週五（7月31日）出席馬華玻州婦女組常年代表大會上，這麼表示。

她說，在這關鍵時刻，婦女組扮演著穩定黨的角色，不管在外面多吵多亂都站立不動，且清楚知道穩定是最重要的。

“網上的言論自由廣泛，真假難分，做為現代人智慧要高，分辨能力也要特別強。”

她也是馬華全國婦女組的主席。她希望婦女皆能掌握電腦，即使住在偏僻地區，都無法阻擋網際網絡對生活帶來的影響。

她也希望黨員能以專業的方式開會，真誠實在的說，而不是事後才在外面大講特講，此舉所帶來的後果是潛伏性的。

被問馬華總會長直選課題時，周美芬指出，94萬黨員中，婦女組黨員佔總人數的38%，票數足以決定總會長的人選。

黃金蓮：不可以下犯上
馬華玻州婦女組主席黃金蓮說，馬華是個完整的組織，有紀律性的政黨。

“既然有組織性，那就得服從組織的決定，不可以下犯上，不可胡亂製造糾紛。”

她聲稱，馬華目前的局面已經很混亂，所以不要把它弄得更加混亂。如果要為黨好，就要協助平定內部糾紛。

National Advocacy & Awareness Disability Campaign

SPEECH by Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun

held on 31st July 2009 @ SEGI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

at the Opening Ceremony..from left Professor Dr. Muhamad Awang (SEGi University College Vice Chancellor), Mr. Kamal Malhotra(Resident Representative of the UNDP) & Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun
(photo by CFL)

First and foremost, allow me to take this opportunity to thank the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and SEGI University College for inviting me to officiate the National Advocacy and Awareness Disability Campaign. I am pleased to see such a distinguished gathering of representatives from policy makers, NGOs, schools, academia, media and civil society. We are all here for one purpose: to fight attitudinal prejudices and to galvanize support for disabled persons to ensure their rights and full participation in all aspects of society.

It is for this reason that “Real Lives, Real Abilities” has been chosen as the theme for this campaign today. It helps to draw our attention to the fact that disabled people are very much a part of our community and really like the rest of us want to enjoy life to the fullest. In this regard, every one of us here has a role and responsibility to play in order to mainstream the disabled people in all aspects of society and development. Also, we need to ensure they are not left behind as the country move forward.

Ladies and gentlemen,
The World Health Organisation estimated that there are approximately 650 million persons around the world living with disabilities – that is about 10 per cent of the world population and this ballpark figure applies to countries as well. In Malaysia, there is no comprehensive data on the prevalence of disabilities. As of Mac 2009, 256, 364 are registered with the Department of Social Welfare although the actual figure is expected to be significantly higher. The main reason for the low registration is because registration is voluntary. At the time being, the Government has no plans to make registration compulsory as we believe that persons with disabilities must be given informed choice. However, there is a need to create awareness among persons with disabilities and their families on the importance of registration and to encourage them to come forward to register.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Persons with disabilities encounter myriads of physical and social barriers and challenges that impede their participation in society. Society’s attitudes, prejudices, beliefs and ignorance create obstacles to inclusion. In addition, there is often failure to recognise their social and economic contributions and a tendency to see only the disability rather than the person. The lack of accommodation in employment, education and transportation present a much serious challenge. As a result, persons with disabilities often do not have access to the same opportunities as others, have higher rates of unemployment, live in poverty and they are more likely to be socially isolated.

However, the scenario is changing and affecting persons with disabilities globally. There has been a paradigm shift in attitude and approaches in dealing with issues of disabilities, from the medical model to the social model. Persons with disabilities are no longer seen as “objects” of charity and a medical problem but as “subjects” with rights. They are capable of claiming those rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent as well as being active members of society. The problem of disabilities lies not within the individual but rather on the social and physical barriers in our environment. This paradigm shift from charity-based to rights-based is the result of Disabled People’s Organisations who have work together to reposition disability as a human rights issue and also the work of the United Nations.

The United Nations General Assembly declared 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons. This is followed by the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons in 1982 and the Decade of Disabled Persons 1983-1992, urging member nations to bring positive changes to the lives of persons with disabilities. The Standard Rules on Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities was adopted in 1993, providing policy guidelines in promoting the same opportunities to persons with disabilities that others enjoy, and most recently the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which is aimed to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by persons with disabilities.

at the Press Conference (photo by CFL)

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Malaysia has also moved in line with this paradigm shift. This is proven by the effort taken by the Government to put in place the National Policy on Persons with Disabilities to enhance their well-being and to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights and full participation in the Malaysian society.

The Policy sets out 28 strategies focussing on 15 priority areas namely advocacy, accessibility, health, rehabilitation, education, employment, personal safety and social protection, support services, social, development of human resources, participation of society, research and development, housing, children with disabilities and women with disabilities. A National Plan of Action has also been drawn to realise the objectives set out in the Policy and is being carried out through multi-sectoral collaboration.

Malaysia has also signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 8 April 2008. The signing of the Convention is our commitment to promote an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for persons with disabilities, and is in line with other international agreements such as the “Proclamation for Full Participation and Equality of Persons with disabilities” and “Biwako Millennium Framework for Action” adopted by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), of which Malaysia is a member.

Although Malaysia has not ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the signing itself shows our support for the Convention and an indication of our intention to ratify the Convention at a later date. I believe there will be no problem for Malaysia to ratify the Convention as the mechanisms are in place. Moreover, the Convention provides for progressive realisation as far as social and economic rights are concerned.

Ladies and gentlemen,
The Government has also passed the Persons with Disabilities Act which has come into force on 7 July 2008. The Act is the first legislation for persons with disabilities. It is also a first rights-based legislation in Malaysia, paving the way for equal opportunities and full participation of persons with disabilities. With the enforcement of the Act, physical and social barriers faced by persons with disabilities will be addressed. Thus, they will be able to enjoy better public transport facilities, amenities and services and equal opportunities to health, education, information, communication and technology, rehabilitation, improved employment opportunities as well as full participation in sports, leisure and cultural life.

Ladies and gentlemen,
The enforcement of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 is just the first step and a catalyst in ensuring that Persons with Disabilities enjoys equal rights and opportunities. It must be accompanied by actions and much works need to be done to produce the results aspired in the Act. First amongst all is the need to change society’s attitude on persons with disabilities.

As I have mentioned earlier, there is still lack of societal awareness on persons with disabilities. Disability frightens people and society often has negative attitudes and stereotype assumptions about persons with disabilities. Reaction such as rude stares, unkind remarks and discrimination are still rampant. This together with the lack of accessibility to the built environment and transportation has hinders their daily activities causing many persons with disabilities to be segregated from mainstream society.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I hereby congratulate UNDP and SEGi University College for the initiative taken to organise this awareness campaign. I understand that this campaign is not a one off programme but rather part of a national advocacy and awareness campaign to fight attitudinal prejudices and to galvanize public support for the need to ensure their full participation in all aspects of society. The campaign is being supported by two UNDP projects which are currently being implemented with the support of the Economic Planning Unit, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, and the State Planning Units for Johor and Penang. The projects aim to reduce barriers that persons with disabilities face in finding and retaining employment and accessing public transportation respectively, with the long-term objective of increasing their economic and social independence.

I know it is not easy to change deep-rooted perception and misconception about disability. However, we all can play a role to help hasten the process of mainstreaming disability by discarding negative perceptions of persons with disabilities as objects of pity but as individuals with different abilities and with rights as anyone of us. Therefore, it is time for us to come together to act and take steps to facilitate and ensure the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities into the society. Let us start by changing our mindset and perception on disability and dismantling the physical and social barriers that exist in our society.

On that note, ladies and gentlemen, I have pleasure to launch the National Advocacy and Awareness Disability Campaign. Thank you.

MOU Signing & Launching of “IMPACT PROGRAMME” of WEDC & COWAY

(photo by CFL)

OPENING REMARKS BY Y.B. DATIN PADUKA CHEW MEI FUN

National Chairman of Wanita MCA

On behalf of WEDC, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Woongjin Coway for working with us to offer job opportunities to women through the implementation of this “Impact Programme”.

I am indeed very happy that such a large and reputable corporation like Woongjin Coway has chosen to fulfil its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with a programme targeted specially for women.

Today Women Entrepreneur Development Centre (WEDC), an initiative of Wanita MCA and Woongjin Coway (M) Sdn Bhd (Coway) has come together today in partnership to recruit more Malaysian Women into the service support industry under the Coway CODY Recruitment Project. The CODY Recruitment Program will be part of WEDC’s “Impact Programme”, a programme that acts as a bridge to encourage women into entrepreneurship programmes in particular amongst those who have less access to existing social nets including single mothers.

Under the stewardship of WEDC ‘Impact Programme’ - the Coway’s CODY Recruitment Project provides a platform to enhance Malaysian women’s professional development. WEDC serves as the channel for Malaysian women to apply as a CODY (Coway Lady), at the same time enabling Coway to concentrate on the training program and cultivation for Malaysian women to be a professional CODY. As such, this collective effort between Coway and WEDC can in effect contribute to the development of Malaysian women in the economy.

(photo by CFL)

Ladies and gentlemen, This “Impact Programme” aims to encourage women into entrepreneurship programmes and introduce an alternative or additional household income solution with flexible working hours. This initiative could not be introduced in a better time. During this time of economic downturn, women face greater challenge to survive economically and to sustain their family financially. It is of utmost importance that every woman regardless of their education level, economic status and location amongst others to be financially savvy.

This is in line with the endeavour of The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development which focuses on the three main areas namely

i. Economic empowerment activities as first and foremost;

ii. Followed by Capacity building programmes; and

iii. finally Enhancing the quality of life.In addition, the Ministry has conducted over 200 training programmes to educate women on financial management and to encourage women to practise good financial management both for their personal and of their families.

Ladies and gentlemen, In today’s fast-paced world, it can be clearly seen that women have progressed, made inroads and earned recognition in many fields. Women of today are holding senior positions; they are owner of companies and professionals even in the fields that were previously dominated by men.

With the rapid urbanisation that the country is undergoing, women who make up almost half of the total population of Malaysia at 49.1% are not only playing a major role at home, but also contributing their skills and knowledge at the workplace and in the country to sustain the nation’s economy growth. This is especially so when women’s education level is on the rise with 61.7 percent of the enrolment to Higher Learning Institutions is female students.

Participation of women in the nation’s economic activities is no longer an option, but a prerequisite to boost Malaysia’s competitiveness. There are 45.7 percent women in the labour force in 2008; however a drop compared to 47.3 percent in year 2004. The Ministry is currently addressing the declining proportion of women in labour workforce and strategising to increase the participation rate of women in labour force particularly in income generating activities.

(photo by CFL)

Ladies and gentlemen, These programmes are being carried out with the aim to equip women with the knowledge and skills that can be utilized for them to start their own income generating activities.

Eliminating gender disparity is one of the key visions of my Ministry in promoting equal opportunities for both women and men at work. Hence, Woongjin Coway’s efforts assisting women in Malaysia particularly through this programme is highly commendable and should serve as a benchmark and role model to other private sector corporations. Thus, we would like to invite Coway to be part of the Jalinan Niaga which stands for Business Matching, an integral part of the Jalinan Rakyat from BN Wanita.

Ladies and gentlemen, As such, I hope that this “Impact Programme” will achieve its objectives and once again I would like to thank Woongjin Coway for providing this great opportunity to women from all over Malaysia. I hope Malaysian women would not miss this great opportunity to improve their financial status especially without having to interrupt their daily routine with flexi-work arrangements in addition to attractive remuneration packages.

Last but not least, I wish Woongjin Coway all the best in your future endeavours and with that, I launch the “Impact Programme”. Thank you.

星洲互動‧2009.07.28

周美芬：單身應做好晚年規劃

（吉隆坡）婦女、家庭及社會發展部副部長拿汀巴杜卡周美芬提醒任何欲選擇單身的人士，做好老年的生活規劃，以免晚年生活受到影響。

她說，如果政府或私人領域等方面認為目前的情況不理想，就有必要想方設法，協助人民度過幸福的晚年。

“入住社會福利局老人院的老人，有相當部份是單身，任何人選擇單身，都應該做好老年規劃，以免晚年生活受到影響。”

也是馬華婦女組主席的周美芬今日（週二，7月28日）見證大馬Woongjin Coway私人有限公司與馬華婦女組婦女企業發展中心簽署推出CODY徵員計劃的諒解備忘錄後說，老人遭遺棄的課題，當然不僅是只有貧窮的一群遺棄自己的父母，一些不孝的子女，也是會這麼做，但婦女部目前還未討論到立法懲罰遺棄父母的子女。

她指出，如果立法懲罰，就等於承認大馬人不孝，而孝順父母理應發自內心。

她說，無論本身的財務狀況如何，為人子女的，都不應該遺棄自己的父母，在這方面，部門已做好準備協助貧窮的子女奉養父母。

她指出，生活在貧窮線下的老人若符合資格，每月可獲300令吉的福利金，至於家中有殘疾、不能自理的親屬，且收入在3000令吉以下，也能申請每月300令吉的福利金。

光华日报：二零零九年七月二十八日 下午五时十五分
周美芬：立法惩罚遗弃父母者 等于承认大马人不孝

（吉隆坡28日讯）妇女、家庭及社会发展部副部长拿汀巴杜卡周美芬指出，立法惩罚遗弃父母者，等于承认大马人民不孝。

她说，该部将召开内部策划会议，讨论如何协助贫穷人士改善财务状况，减低遗弃父母的社会问题。

周美芬也是马华妇女组主席。她今日见证马华妇女企业发展中心与WoongJin Coway签署CODY谅解备忘录后，受媒体询问时这么说。

报章早前报导，去年有539名老人被遗弃在各政府医院。
她举例，马华曾大力推动阅读《弟子规》运动，灌输人民孝道精神，这种发自内心的孝心，远比立法惩罚不孝子有效。

她认为，为人子女不应遗弃父母，因为下一代会有样学样，遗弃父母者日后也将落得相同下场。

另外，她说，政府为残疾人士及生活在贫穷线下乐龄人士，提供每月300令吉的福利金。

“只要家庭收入低于3000令吉，便可向福利局提出申请。”

尽管如此，她鼓励单身者做好晚年规划。

基于不少乐龄人士是单身，因此，她建议政府与私人界合作，让这些单身的乐龄人士能受到援助，安享晚年。

Chew: Many childcare centres being charged exorbitant fees

The Star News : Sunday July 26, 2009

PETALING JAYA: Many local councils and authorities are charging childcare centre operators exorbitant licence fees, sometimes as high as RM5,000 annually, said Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

Local authorities should be mindful of the importance of childcare centres and not view them as merely business entities, she added.

“Many of these local councils are not aware of the nature of this industry so they impose expensive licence fees,” she said at the SEGi College’s closing ceremony of its fourth Early Childhood Professionals appreciation day yesterday.

Chew, however, acknowledged that it was difficult for local councils to develop a set of uniform guidelines or regulations to govern childcare centres.

“There are different by-laws and regulations for different local authorities,” she said.

Chew also voiced out concerns on some providers who went ahead to operate childcare centres while waiting for approvals from the different authorities, which sometimes could take up to two years.

“When the various local councils have many applications to vet through, those from the childcare centres are usually not given priority,” she said.

Chew also told parents to only choose childcare centres registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

She said there were 2,266 registered centres with the ministry and they were required to display their licences.

“The ministry has done our part to amend the law (2007). We have tightened the monitoring system for childcare providers.” she said.

周美芬：要转型 马华须上下齐心

光华日报 ：二零零九年七月二十七日 晚上八时十九分

（槟城27日讯）马华全国妇女组主席拿汀巴杜卡周美芬说，马华要进行整体转型，是全党上下共同的责任，惟基层的配合和主动有待加强。

她说，党无法仅祈求高层做出改变，而是应由90万名的党员作出相应的调整和改变。如果每一名党员都能配合党所推动的“拼经济、拼种族和谐、拼政治”，并监督民联政府、向党提出诚恳及建设性的建议，就能让自己及外人感受到党的整体改变。

她也是妇女、家庭与社会发展部副部长，她指出，马华妇女组近期专注于政策的倡导及建议。她说，支会、区会及中央应分层次的主办活动及角色扮演，各司其职，以便能回到政治本源，专业论政。

针对记者询及马华对民联的监督不甚活跃时，她说，执政不能只求专业，要赢取民心，还得处理人民的情绪。她坦承说，马华党员目前或许还未适应308的重挫，而现今的政治局势跟以往的已有很大的差别。

她为马华槟州妇女组政治干训营主持闭幕仪式后，如是表示。这是为了响应中央的号召而举办的活动，共有13个区会派出代表参与，探讨现今政治课题之余，也评估民联执政年余的成绩、赵明福事件等。

陈清凉：已呈协调员名单
槟州马华妇女组主席陈清凉指出，4国10州的协调员名单已呈上，目前在等待委任信，不过他们目前已投入选区服务。她说，监督州议会局已成立，而她本身是主任，成员包括所有协调员及区会主席。马青及妇女组皆踊跃派人出席，进行监督工作。