The MCA leader is losing all credibility and lacks substance in his speeches. As highlighted above, the fact remains that minority groups have limited roles and rights in politics, economy and education. The recent UMNO general assembly has clearly underlined the state of minority groups in Malaysia.

According to UMNO deputy chairperson as quoted by Malaysiakini,

“He said the founding of Umno in 1946 coincided with an agreement by the main three races whereby citizenship would be granted to the minority groups in return for their acceptance of Malay special priveleges. ”

“Fifty-eight years ago we had an agreement with the other races, in which we permitted them to ‘menumpang’ (temporarily reside) on this land. In the Federal Constitution, our rights as a race have been enshrined.

“Let no one from the other races ever question the rights of Malays on this land. Don’t question the religion because this is my right on this land”

It has been clearly drawn that non Malays are only granted citizenships because we have accepted that Malays should have special priviledges. These special priviledges should never be questioned as this has been agreed upon by individuals 58 years ago. It is not open for debate.

It is this mentality among Malays that have resulted in the fact that more blatant racist policies are being implemented without fear. Why can’t an issue discussed 58 years ago be openly debated? Times change and certain policies may then be obsolete. This reminds me of the water issue with Singapore. Why is Malaysia now demanding for a higher price for water when they have agreed on a price many years ago? It should be non negotiable as an agreement had already been signed?

But one thing for sure, after the UMNO General Assembly, I personally feel less patriotic being a Malaysian. How can I when I am obviously a second class citizen in a country I was born in? How can the burden of our forefathers who immigrated here be passed on to future generations? We are still being treated as “immigrants with citizenship”. This is the pain of reality.

In the letter section in The Star,

There is little doubt that there are many limitations to the exisiting structures within the University Hospital grounds. There is much to be done to make it more disabled friendly. However, with the exception of enlisting major renovations, it may prove difficult to relocate certain departments. The above letter was clearly written out of frustration. Perhaps the lack of air conditioning or the long waiting time, something certainly ticked her off. The situation at University Hospital, in my opinion, is much better that any other hospitals.

Firstly cars approaching the entrance should only be allowed to drop passengers off. If they were to be allowed to park, then the traffic congestion will surely worsen. That is probably the last thing that is needed. Wheelchairs can be obtained from the clinics nearby for those in need. Putting wheelchairs along corridors will result in unnecessary obstruction and worse still may be left unattended in unwanted places, similar to grocery trolleys at supermarkets. Blood testing is usually done on a separate day to allow time for the results to become available. If it was done on the same day, then the patient would have to wait much longer in order for the blood to be tested and the results processed. The pharmacy for outpatients is only situated next to the clinics.The Trauma Center is certainly more disabled friendly.

Perhaps the frustration stems from the fact that other family members were not available to assist despite knowing that moving an elderly person is no easy task for any single individual. I feel that Leela should not have blamed the hospital but rather to appeal to other family members for assistance during visits to hospitals. This will lighten her burden and perhaps make future visits more bearable and pleasant. I sometimes feel that family members ignore their elderly when it comes to clinic appointments. This “chore” is left to one that probably lacks the strength to even manouvre a wheelchair. Caring for the elderly is the sole responsibility of immediate family members. They should make themselves available on such days. Certain more complex explanations can also be given to them, as many elderly patients may not understand or lack the mental capacity to absorb all that is being said.

Having said that, hospital authorities should continue to strive for a more disabled friendly hospital environment. Much needs to be done.