An unforgettable trip to Malaysia

Mohammad A Sattar

The aircraft of Malaysian Airways landed at Kuala Lumpur international airport at 7 in the morning of Nov 10. The fresh look of the city from the small window of the airplane took away the tiredness of the journey of more than three hours from Dhaka.
   We were met at the airport by our guide and other members of the Malaysian tourism authority. The small bus took us to the hotel where we lodged during our three-day stay ­ the first part of our tour to that country.
   It was a warm morning and we knew it was going to get hotter. The bus journey to the hotel was no less exciting as the views along the way offered a picturesque landscape of a garden city. As we moved along, carefully groomed beds of flowers and plants caught my eyes, a beauty one would like to behold forever. Truly a garden city! The smooth motorway and the flyovers zigzagging all over leave you awestruck. The latest cars and buses zooming by give you a glimpse of a busy city life.
   Breakfast over; I retired to my room for a little rest. We had a busy schedule ahead. The hotel, a five-star grandiose, could not have offered anything better. The room had everything you could expect. After a cold shower I stretched a bit and quickly surfed through the TV channels and tried to get the latest from around the world.
   The restaurant where we had our lunch before departing to the venue of the Toursim Seminar was unique in its setting overlooking the swimming pool. The Tourism Seminar was held at Crown Plaza Mutiara Hotel and was attended by more than 150 journalists, travel writers and travel agents from more than 15 countries. Officials of the tourism department spoke on the occasion. During his video presentation En Zainuddin Wahab, Director of Middle East/South Asia/Oceania/Africa Division gave us encouraging and information of the tourism industry of his country. The audience was informed how the government built the infrastructure for the private operators. How the industry grew rapidly and now boasts of being the second highest foreign exchange earner for the country. The number of tourist's arrivals to Malaysia continues to rise. During the month of August 2007, a total of 1,642,899 tourist arrivals were recorded, an increase of 9.3 per cent compared to 1,503,748 in the same month in 2006. Cumulatively, tourist arrivals recorded from January to August 2007 were 14,047, 276 representing an increase of 22 per cent compared to 11,518,288 in 2006.
   After mingling around with colleagues from other countries during the coffee break we got back to the hotel for an early dinner. The next day (Nov 11) agenda was tight and full. Starting right at 9 in the morning we set off to Jamek Mosque, the national mosque, KL garden and the China town, all at one go.
   The Masjid Jamek is situated at the confluence of rivers the Klang and the Gombak.
   The mosque was built in 1907 and officially opened by the Sultan of Selangor on 23rd of December in 1909. The Masjid Jamek is the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Its palm trees and the location on the banks of the Klang and Gombak rivers provide a tranquil setting that complements the Masjid Jamek's exquisite domed tower. This striking red-brick and marble building is inspired by the mogul/north Indian Islamic architecture.
   From there we drove to the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens. Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Perdana) dates to the 1880s and are the city's most popular park. Built around an artificial lake, it encompasses 91.6 hectares of undulating greenery interspersed with flowering shrubs, shady trees, exceptional botanical gardens, and other notable features. Among the notable gardens and places are the Orchid Garden and The Hibiscus Garden. The Butterfly Park houses some 6,000 butterflies of over 120 species. KL Bird Park ­ is the largest bird park in South-East Asia, holds thousands of birds representing nearly every major species of this part of the world. Malaysian National Monument, which is within the Lake Gardens, is one of the world's largest freestanding bronze sculptures. The monument commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle against Communist insurgency in the 1950s.
   We moved on to the China Town. Situated on the Petaling Street,the center of Kuala Lumpur, the place never sleeps. Chinatown has a bustling market serving as a bargain hunter's paradise and one of the premier shopping areas in the city with its distinctly oriental atmosphere. If you're looking for cheap clothes, fabrics, souvenirs, electronic items, watches, DVDs, CDs and more Petaling Street is the place for you.
   After lunch at an Indian food joint, the actual event of the day was to begin. The Deepavali Celebration. Although a Hindu ritual, the Deepavali is celebrated in Malaysia as a national event. The huge open festival was something that one would not like to miss. People from all walks of life thronged the venue to see the performance's of the artistes on the open stage. Songs and music played all over the venue through PA systems and the colorful attires by different groups gave the venue a festive look. Numerous stalls displaying various objects and cultures were a treat. The free food offered to the public was something unimaginable. The long queue never ended.
   The last day (Nov 12) in KL was also a busy day. We visited many places like, the famous Twin Towers, the KL Tower, Central Market, Eye on Malaysia and a few more.
   Soaring to an exciting height of 60m, "Eye on Malaysia" is set to take you to another level of experiencing the Unique Malaysian Experience .The Eye on Malaysia is one of the 50 major tourist attractions that were introduced by the Ministry of Tourism to woo tourists as an integral part of Visit Malaysia 2007. Similar to the well-known "London Eye" that gives you spectacular view on London , Eye on Malaysia on the other hand, will give you the ultimate experience of enjoying the spectacular 20 km view of Kuala Lumpur. Imprinting a memory that will be unforgettable!
   The Menara KL (more tenderly known as KL Tower) is one of the city's pride and joy. Built in 1995, KL Tower is used for communication purposes and stands tall at 421 meters high. The structure itself is 335 meters tall and the extra height comes from an antenna which currently makes it the fifth tallest tower in the world. This tower has since been a symbol of Kuala Lumpur.
   If you are just interested in the view and not the food, a trip straight to the observation platform would suffice. Getting up there is a different story altogether. You have the choice of either taking the elevator (we suggest you do) or taking the stairs. Would you dare to climb 2 058 steps to reach the top? With that in mind, just take the elevator.
   And finally , the Petronas Twin Towers: It has become a symbol known worldwide. The towers give Kuala Lumpur the status that it rightly deserves.
   The towers were designed by the renowned Norwegian architect, Dawid Tadeusz Mauno. The 88 floor towers made of glass and steel shoot up to the sky and is now a symbol etched into the city's skyline. Below the two towers is Suria KLCC (a popular shopping mall) and Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, two of the city's main attractions.
   One of the main attractions at the Twin Towers is the Skybridge. It is a bridge between the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floor. The bridge is 170 meters high and 58 meters long. It is a sight to see and quite an experience.
   We left for Penang the next morning. Known as ' Pilau Pinang '- this was another mamazing experience. 'Pilau' means island.
   [More next week]

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How to understand and respect the disabled Julian Francis

My brother, James, who was born in 1943 with a genetic chromosomal abnormality, Down's Syndrome, and who had a severe learning disability, died in 1999 in the U.K. as a result of negligence. He died of severe pneumonia because doctors who were treating him did not take the time and trouble to find out exactly what was wrong with him. He had been suffering with diarrhoea and they treated him for that without properly examining him at the residential care home in which he lived. He died because he was unable to communicate with the doctors and carers supposedly trained to look after people with such difficulties. His birthday, which he always celebrated with a lot of fun and laughter among friends, even going to a local pub for a drink, was 3rd December. This date, therefore, has special significance for me, because, in many countries of the world, December 3 is observed as the International Day of Disabled Persons.
   
   Our lack of knowledge
   It is only right to ask ourselves if we ever take time to understand the problems, the challenges, the feelings and the aspirations of those people who live among us who, as a result of a disability\ties, find their lives more difficult to handle than most of us. When we meet people with disabilities, due to our lack of knowledge, we often feel awkward and embarrassed as we do not know how to react, what to do, or what to say. I am writing down some practical advice which may help in the understanding of how people with disabilities feel. I draw on my own personal experience of growing up with a brother with a severe learning disability and later in life having a son with a similar disability. This experience and knowing many other people with disabilities who have become close friends, has enriched my life and my work.
   Having been responsible, with the help of others, in 1990/91 for putting together the first draft of Bangladesh's National Disability Policy, and having seen how slowly it made progress, I am well aware of how officialdom looks at the problems of the disabled. The rights of the disabled are always at the bottom of most governments' budget plans, and so, I can only stress that much more work has to be done. Having said that, I am very pleased to see that the current Caretaker Government in Bangladesh is taking a close interest in the difficulties faced by persons with disabilities.
   I have worked with many friends in Bangladesh and elsewhere who have disabilities, and all the time I try to focus on the person and not on the disability and hopefully what I write below will help government ministers and officials better understand what they have to do and how to relate to persons with disabilities. The best advice, however, is that if you do not know how to handle your relationship with a person with a disability, ask him or her for advice. I hope these Do's and Don'ts will enrich the lives of those who read them and some of the millions of people with disabilities in Bangladesh.
   
   Do's and don'ts
   * Don't treat a person with one disability as if she/he is disabled in other ways. People tend to talk in simple single syllable words to people who use wheelchairs, they shout at the deaf, and often address a blind person through someone else.
   * Don't focus on a person's disability, focus on the person.
   * Do ask if you can help - and how to help - if it looks as if help might be needed. You may be shy about offering help. The disabled person may also be shy about asking for it. And don't be offended if your help is not needed-persons with disabilities usually like to be as independent as possible. And don't be put off from offering your help at another time.
   * Don't say "I wouldn't try that if I were you"-a disabled person is likely to be the best judge of what she/he can or cannot do.
   * Don't show pity and say, "I don't know how you manage; I'd die if I couldn't walk." It is often hurtful and, under the guise of praise, reinforces the sense of being different.
   * Do treat children with disabilities as normally as possible-including not allowing them to misbehave. Disabled children need to learn the boundaries of acceptable behaviour, in their own society, just as other children do.
   * Do identify yourself straightaway. A blind person can't always place you by a 'hello'. It's hard for her/him to reply warmly, 'hello', if she/he doesn't know who you are. So, give a name and context; "Hello, it's Tasneem. We met last week at Farida's house."
   * Do make a special effort to remember the name of a person who is blind. Beginning with her/his name is the only way of letting him know that you are talking to her/him.
   * Don't feel shy about saying things like "nice to see you" to a blind person. She/he may even say it back. It's impossible to avoid words connected with seeing - blind people aren't self-conscious about it and needn't be.
   How to behave with the blind?
   * Don't grab a blind person's arm unexpectedly. You'll startle her/him. In fact don't hold a blind person's arm at all! Allow her/him to hold yours. She/he is then safely half a step behind you and so is forewarned of what your next move will be by the change in your position.
   * Don't say "here's a step"; say, "step up" or "step down." It's dangerous as well as embarrassing to be waving your foot in mid-air when the step actually leads down. Also if the step is exceptionally deep or shallow, do mention it.
   * Don't leave doors half open. Shut them all the way or open them flat against the wall.
   * Don't exclude a blind person from television. It gives her/him access to a world familiar to her/his sighted friends.
   * Don't exclude a blind friend from outdoor activities. Ask if she/he would like to shop with you instead of your doing it for her/him.
   * Don't chase a child away from a person with a learning disability (often, wrongly, referred to as 'mentally retarded') who might approach her/him. It only perpetuates the feeling that there is something to be afraid and ashamed of If she/he reaches out to touch a child, take her/his hand and turn it into a friendly handshake-deflecting the attention away from the child and onto yourself
   * Don't be afraid of a person with a learning disability. Very few are violent-and if they are among people, you can assume that they are not violent. Avoidance and rejection are among the most commonly upsetting things to people with learning disabilities.
   Keep promises
   * Do be honest and keep promises. Don't assume that a person with a learning disability doesn't understand or remember what you've said. As an example, my son Neil, now 32 years old, who has a severe learning disability, has a phenomenal memory and an amazing sense of direction.
   * Do take time to listen to someone who is mentally ill-and don't assume that she/he has no knowledge or opinions of value.
   * Don't express pity for parents of 'retarded' children-their child is just as precious to them as any child is to any parent.
   * Don't give advice, except to point someone in the direction of professional help if none is being given and some help seems necessary.
   * Do remember that any practical help you offer may need to be given for a long period.
   * Don't tell a person who is mentally ill to "pull themselves together". If they could, they would.
   * Don't grab hold of a wheelchair without being asked. The occupant can easily be pitched out by an inexpert enthusiast. Remember to warn her/him if you are going to turn the chair round quickly. In fact, it's thoughtful to tell her/him whatever your next move is going to be.
   * Do check with the person in the wheelchair if the speed you are pushing her/him at is comfortable. Too fast-it's unsettling. Too slow-it's plain boring.
   * Don't lift the chair by the armrests-they'll probably come out in your hands. Do remember that the person may find it hard to hear what you are merrily chattering about-and since your voice, coming from behind, may not compete well with traffic noise. Also, from her/his vantage point, she/he may not be able to see what you are pointing to.
   * Do chat to a person in a stationary wheelchair with your head on the same level. It's embarrassing always literally to be "looked down upon" and uncomfortable always to be looking up.
   * Do ask her/him how to get a wheelchair up or down a flight of stairs - there are often simple mechanisms or techniques which the disabled person will know.
   * Do keep your face clearly visible when talking to a deaf person. Face the light. If you stand with your back to the light or window then you may be silhouetted, wiping out the details needed for lip reading. Don't move around-your deaf friend will miss words each time you turn your face.
   * Do not distort your face exaggeratedly to 'help' a lip-reader. The subtle signs she/he watches out for will be swamped by such contortions. And don't shout-it doesn't help and can distort hearing aids.
   * Do bear in mind that someone who is deaf may be nervous of going out in the dark. Already denied one sense, she/he may be uneasy about being deprived of another. Indoors, make sure she/he has easy access to a safe light. And don't forget to take a torch if you go out at night with someone who is deaf-shine it on your face when you speak.
   * Don't remain silent if you can't make out what a deaf person is trying to say, or if her/his hearing aid is making a whistling noise. Be frank. How else is she/he expected to know?
   * Don't condescend. A deaf person's voice may sound strange. But there's no need to behave as if he she/he has a learning disability as well.
   Do play music. People who are deaf can "hear" the beat through the vibrations. Deaf teenagers love records and dancing at discos - the louder the music the better.
   Julian Francis who, since the War of Liberation, has had a long association with Bangladesh working in many poverty alleviation projects, is currently working as Social Development Manager at the DFID supported 'Chars Livelihoods Programme', RDA, Bogra.

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The Secondary Education Access and Quality Enhancement Project (SEAQEP), which will provide stipends to both poorer boys and girls in secondary education, is now being prepared with the aim to be implemented from early July 2008, says a World Bank (WB) press release. A high-level task force and a project preparation team of the Government are working based on inputs from consultation with stakeholders. The project will be supported by the WB.
   The proposed SEAQEP will be implemented in 121 upazilas. Although a follow-up to the second Female Secondary School Assistance Project (FSSAP II) of the Government which ends on 30 June 2008, the SEAQEP would include a number of new dimensions. It aims to provide targeted support to the poorer girls and boys; improve academic performance through incentive awards to students, schools and teachers; extend additional support to teachers and students in teaching and learning; provide water and sanitation facilities to retain girls in school and develop an effective monitoring and evaluation system.
   FSSAP II has already helped more than 8 lakh girls with stipends that improved SSC pass rates for stipend girls from 39 per cent in 2001 to 60 per cent in 2007. A training programme has reached 190,00 stakeholders, largely from the communities, while some 6000 institutions were brought under school management and accountability training programme. The Mobile Training Resource Teams (MTRTs) pilot has shown positive results. A family attractiveness programme to identify out-of-secondary-school girls from very poor family living in remote and economically disadvantaged areas has been introduced under this programme.
   It may be mentioned here that Bangladesh is now a global leader in girl's education, thanks to a Government stipend programme since 1993 that supported female secondary education. The World Bank has been a keen supporter of the initiative from the start through interest-free credit.

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