Brunei Darussalam, as the Chair of ASEAN 2021, continues to take seriously and prioritise the welfare of Differently-Abled Persons, OKU in the ASEAN region, through the implementation and monitoring of the 'ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025'. The Masterplan is to ensure regional efforts in prioritising OKU issues with the strategic involvement of various stakeholders in knowledge and capacity building. The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, stated the matter in a message in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, OKU. The International Day of Persons With Disabilities is celebrated every 3rd of December. This year's theme is "Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world."
Yang Berhormat Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, also shared that the OKU group is not exempted from receiving injections in the National Vaccination Programme for COVID-19. Yang Berhormat said that 2021 recorded a number of important events in enhancing OKU inclusivity and protection ecosystem in Brunei Darussalam. This includes the enforcement of the Persons With Disabilities Order 2021; Old Age Pension and Disability Act (Amendment) Order, 2021; a Care Provider Allowance and the use of Sign Language for the Berita Perdana News bulletin.
In the meantime, a number of efforts was also very welcomed, among them upgrading projects for 47 mosques and suraus in the country to be more handicapped friendly, and the provision of the programme for differently abled pupils and teaching workforce under the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Religious Affairs. From the economic aspect, the government has provided support for OKU non-government organisations, to train the group to be more independent and increase their involvement in employment and entrepreneurship.
This year as well, Brunei Darussalam through the Welfare Council for the Differently-Abled, MKOKU, will chair the 'ASEAN Disability Forum' via online, to discuss issues on education, employment and enhancing the active involvement of the OKU in society.
Source: Radio Television Brunei