Source: The Star 31-12-2015

A parent’s love without boundaries

Father of two disabled sons honoured with special award

CIVIL servant Abdul Rasiad Arshad in Penang admitted feeling discouraged in the beginning when his two sons were born visually impaired.
 
But he then realised that there was no use crying over the matter and started looking at the situation from a positive view.
 
This attitude has turned out to be a blessing as both the boys, now aged 19 and 28, are doing well academically.
 
“My eldest son is currently doing his PhD at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia whereas the younger one has just completed his Upper Six.
 
“I always motivate them to be independent and confident just like others so they will never give up in whatever they do,” said Abdul Rasiad, who also has two daughters.
 
He said he had never treated his two sons differently from his daughters.
 
Abdul Rasiad, 57, was the recipient of the Exemplary OKU’s (Disabled Person’s) Parent Award during the recent state-level Senior Citizens, Children and Disabled Persons’ Day celebration at Eastern and Oriental Hotel.
 
Hearing and speech-impaired businesswoman Tan Ruey Jiuan, 27, received the Excellent OKU Award.
 
Tan, smiling brightly after receiving the award, thanked her parents for supporting her throughout her life’s journey.
 
“My parents are the reason I am here receiving this award.
 
“They decided to send me to a normal school instead of a special school so I can grow up just like the other normal kids.
 
“They also trusted in me when I showed interest in the business industry,” she said.
 
Tan, who is involved in the printing business, said she usually communicated with her customers through emails and text messages.
 
She said she also learnt lip-reading to understand what her customers were saying.
 
“I hope to develop my business and provide job opportunities to more disabled persons,” she added.
 
The Senior Citizen Figure Award went to Salmah Md Ibrahim, 72. Pulau Betong assemblyman Muhamad Farid Saad gave out the awards.