Sharing the cheer of festivity with blind people

By Dato Seri S.Samy Vellu
President of Malaysian Indian Congress

 

“I count it a privilege to visit you today not only to host a Deepavali dinner but also to break the fast with you. I am very impressed with the services organised by the MAB for blind people. The introduction and briefing by Prof. Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh indicates the dedication and commitment of the Board, staff and members of MAB. I take this opportunity to congratulate them for their very fine service.

 

Whether it is Deepavali, Hari Raya, Chinese New Year or Christmas, festivals are a time of fun for all the communities in Malaysia. We have a custom of greeting one another, which is the symbol of our unity and oneness as a nation.

 

Malaysia is a land for all people. Here we seek our best to make life meaningful for all people. Blind people have the potential to excel like all others. Many among you are very gifted and talented. Given the right encouragement and opportunity you can enjoy the good life that this life can offer.

 


I once again thank the MAB and wish them all the best in their endeavours to show compassion and provide equal opportunities to blind people.”

 

At the dinner which was attended by over 170 people including blind trainees, staff and Board members, 'ang pows' or cash gifts were handed over to blind people. This gift by Dato Seri S.Samy Vellu was handed over to blind people by Datuk Veerasingam. Datuk Ismail Salleh thanked the MIC President for hosting the dinner. He requested his assistance as Minister of Works to help MAS secure the assistance of city hall in developing Brickfields as a 'barrier free' city centres which is accessible by disabled people.

 

(Text of the speech delivered by Dato Seri S. Samy Vellu at the Deepavali Dinner & breaking of fast at the Malaysian Association for the Blind on November 6, 2002. Unfortunately Dato Seri was unable to officiate the function due to ill health. He was represented by Dato S.Veerasingam, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry for National Unity & Social Development)

 

(Submitted on 11th Nov 2002)