STATEMENT BY
MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE
GENERAL DEBATE OF THE
18TH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF STATES PARTIES TO THE
CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
12 JUNE 2025, ECOSOC CHAMBER
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia welcomes the theme of this year’s Conference, “Enhancing public awareness
of the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities for social development leading
up to the World Social Summit”. As we approach the Second World Summit for Social
Development 2025, Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to recognising persons with
disabilities as integral participants in and drivers of social progress.
2. Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Since ratifying the Convention in 2010, Malaysia has
taken significant steps to integrate disability inclusion into our national development
agenda. The National Council for Persons with Disabilities established under the
Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, continues to spearhead initiatives that enhance public
understanding of the capabilities and contributions of persons with disabilities. These
efforts are essential for fostering a culture of respect, dignity and inclusion at every level
of society, beginning with the family unit.
3. The Government of Malaysia continues to promote inclusive employment
practices within the public sector. On 17th February 2025, a circular on the employment
and inclusivity of persons with disabilities was issued to all government agencies for
immediate implementation. This circular aims to enhance PWDs participation and
representation in the civil service.
4. Under the Plan of Action for Persons with Disabilities 2016-2022, Malaysia has
strived to increase the number of Job Coaches providing employment support for
persons with disabilities and employers. Since 2012, the number of trained and
registered Job Coaches has increased from only four to 669 by 2024. The Plan of Action
also expanded the Economic Empowerment Programme (EEP) across 573 registered
Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Centres. By the end of 2024, 106 of these
centres had developed customised empowerment initiatives tailored to the needs and
aspirations of their trainees.
5. Malaysia is currently collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs)
representing persons with disabilities, academia and government agencies, to develop
a new Plan of Action for Persons with Disabilities. Continuous engagements and
discussions are pivotal to the successful development of the Plan of Action. This
inclusive process underscores Malaysia’s steadfast dedication to advancing its
commitment under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Mr. Chair,
6. Malaysia recognises that despite notable progress, significant challenges persist.
These include social stigma, limited accessibility, and inadequate representation of
persons with disabilities in key decision-making processes. These challenges highlight
the urgent need for stronger public advocacy and education to dismantle harmful
stereotypes and promote inclusive mindsets. To this end, Malaysia has initiated several
programmes focused on awareness, advocacy and engagement. Among the initiatives
include nationwide campaigns and community engagements through mass media
platforms. These efforts have contributed to a significant increase in the national
registration of persons with disabilities, which rose from 263,576 in 2014 to 751,421 in
2024.
7. As the global community prepares for the Second World Summit for Social
Development 2025, Malaysia calls upon all stakeholders to place disability inclusion at
the forefront of social development agendas. Only through a fully inclusive approach
can we build resilient, equitable and just societies.
Mr. Chair,
8. Malaysia remains firmly committed to the full implementation of the CRPD. We
are determined to transform awareness into tangible action that empowers persons with
disabilities to actively shape the future we share.
Thank you.