The Disability Council has condemned the proverbial example used by MDP President Abdulla Shahid during a rally where he was criticizing the government and described them as visually impaired, with the council viewing his words as a mockery to those who are blind.
The Disability Council, which was formed under the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Provision of Financial Assistance Act, released a statement after Shahid had said that the government are carrying themselves as if they were "a blind person going for Isha prayers".
The council said that during the ceremony that inaugurated the Fahi Fehi Thinadhoo City manifesto, Shahid had spoken in a tone and with words that had mocked those who were suffering from blindness.
"We have a government that is walking around on the road as though they were blind and on their way to Isha prayers. The government does not know that running a country means writing up a manifesto and doing everything in order while keeping track," said Shahid during the rally.
The proverb that Shahid used was related to someone not being able to walk straight. Some people are defending him, with them stating that if his words were really an issue, using proverbs such as "Even if you get under the sail of a capsized boat, don't get under the power of a blind person" (Fethunu odyge riyaa dhashu viyas, kanaku ayy dhashu nuvashey) cannot be used.
The council's statement reads that disabled persons are protected constitutionally and via the international treaties that Maldives is a part of. The statement also reads that the suffering of those who are disabled should be respected and that they have a right to live independently and freely, as per the law.
The statement goes on to say that a senior ranking individual in a political party who mocks disabled persons in such a fashion is an obstruction to the council's work in building a community that is inclusive of disabled persons. Such proverbs becoming common within the society is worrisome for those with impaired eyesight, as was written in the statement.
"Such proverbs becoming common within the society is worrisome for those with impaired eyesight and that their happiness is also affected by such words, with them having to face different obstacles as well. This is something we highlight with deep sadness," as per the statement.
The council has requested that such words not be repeated. They also requested support in their work to ensure the rights of disabled persons.
