KUCHING – The International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 Celebration, held at Plaza Merdeka, carried the theme “Inclusive Society of the Disabled, Key to Social Progress”, underscoring the importance of inclusivity and recognising the potential of people with disabilities as vital contributors to community development.
Dayang Norjihan Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari, Patron of the Sri Satok Community Rehabilitation Organization (PPDK), emphasised that the theme was not merely symbolic but a call to action.
She explained that the involvement of disabled individuals should not be treated as a separate initiative but as a cornerstone of sustainable development and social progress.
“This theme is not just a slogan, but rather a call for us to act. It reminds us that the involvement of the disabled or also known as people with disabilities is not a separate special initiative but the basis of sustainable development and the main developer of progress for society as a whole,” she said during her address at the ceremony.
Dayang Norjihan highlighted that active participation by disabled individuals contributes to societal transformation, enabling them to take leadership roles in areas such as innovation, policymaking, and advocacy.
She urged the public to view disabled persons not as recipients of sympathy, but as high-potential individuals capable of driving progress in multiple sectors.
“I would like to urge everyone not to see these disabled people as a group that needs sympathy, but rather they should be seen as important assets in the social, economic and leadership development of the country because they have the potential to develop further if given access to understanding and the same opportunities as others,” she added.
She further stressed that educational institutions, training agencies, and workplaces must provide comprehensive opportunities for disabled individuals to showcase their abilities without undue pressure.
By ensuring equal access, society can unlock the full potential of disabled communities and integrate their contributions into national development.
The celebration also recognised the achievements of disabled individuals in education and careers, reinforcing the message that inclusivity is essential for building a progressive society.
The event was marked by lively participation and reflected Sarawak’s broader commitment to empowering people with disabilities through awareness, advocacy, and community support.
