SIBU: The First Malaysia Deaf Summit 2025 held here on Saturday is proof that the government is committed to ensuring that the deaf community is no longer marginalised in the national development process.
Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam said the summit was described as a symbol of the government’s determination to listen to the voices and fulfil the aspirations of the disabled (OKU), especially the deaf community who have long demanded recognition, equality and fair opportunities.
“This summit marks a paradigm shift in the government’s approach to social inclusion. For decades, the deaf community has often been marginalised when policies were formulated without involving their views.
“Today, we prove that the government is not only listening, but also taking concrete steps to involve them in the national development process,” he said at the event’s opening ceremony held at a leading hotel here.
The summit, jointly organised by the National Organisation for Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing (DAWN) and the Sarawak Deaf Community Services Association (SDCSA), brought together participants from both within and outside the country.
With the theme ‘Reclaiming Deaf Space: Language, Identity and Cultural Power,’ the conference focused on the importance of recognising Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) as the primary language of the deaf community and the need for systematic support from educational institutions, employers and the community.
According to Razi, the Sarawak and federal governments are ready to strengthen access to education, health, law and employment for the disabled community as part of the country’s inclusive policy.
“We recognise that BIM is not just a communication tool, but also part of the identity and culture of the deaf community. Therefore, it is time for BIM to be officially recognised through national policies and legislation,” he said.
He also reminded that the deaf community is not a weak or passive group, but rather full of potential and capable of contributing significantly in various sectors, including the arts, education, business and advocacy.
“Our role as a government and society is to break down all barriers that prevent their participation. Once those barriers are removed, the deaf community will prove their capabilities,” he added.
Razi hoped that the conference would be a catalyst for the formation of more comprehensive and fair policies and a platform to strengthen the involvement of the Deaf community in national development.
Also present were DAWN President Sariah Ibrahim, National Association of Malaysian Sign Language and Deaf Studies President, Jessica Mak and SDCSA Chairman, Albert Wong.
