A group of disgruntled visually-impaired individuals took to the streets in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur yesterday in protest of what they believe is lack of transparency in the running of the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB).

 

The group dubbed ‘Solidariti Orang Buta Untuk Selamatkan MAB’ (Solidarity by the blind to save MAB) demanded the resignation of four MAB executive members for allegedly abusing their powers.

 

When contacted by Malaysiakini , MAB denied the group’s claims and called the demonstration illegal because the protestors allegedly did not get a permit for their rally.

 

MAB chief executive officer S Ganesan added the demonstrators allegedly only represent a handful of members.

 

"Only two out of the group are MAB members," he claimed.

 

A press statement will be issued next week to rebut the group’s allegations, he added.

 

The group of about 60 blind people marched from Jalan Tun Sambanthan to the MAB's compound with placards that read ‘ Hilang kepercayaan kepada lembaga pengarah MAB’ (We've lost our trust in the MAB board of directors).

 

They also chanted slogans like ‘ Hidup orang buta, selamatkan MAB’ (Long live the blind, save MAB) during the one-hour demonstration.

 

They did not meet with MAB representatives during the protest.

 

‘MAB not helping’

 

The group’s spokesperson Hasidi Hassan said MAB is not fulfilling it objectives to assist the blind

 

MAB was formed by the Welfare Department in 1951 to assist the community through training and job placements, but the programmes offered are no longer relevant, he said.

 

“MAB staff are themselves poorly paid, with no bonuses or medical benefits [...] while the chief executive officer has a personal driver,” he said.

 

The group also questioned development on MAB-owned land and a purported proposal to sell the Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital, a move that could affect their access to affordable healthcare.

 

Among other demands made by the group include for MAB to reveal its financial procedures for the purchase of eye machines costing RM20.5 million.

 

“All MAB finances must be presented and audited transparently,” he said.

 

The group also wants the blind to make up 50 percent of MAB’s 150 members, up from  the current 10 percent, and to have larger representation in MAB’s board.

 

“Today, only four out of 17 MAB board members are blind (persons),” he added.