Barely three months ago Malaysia celebrated the signing of a very important international treaty, The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities whose objective is to promote, protect and ensure full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. The Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 came into force three weeks ago.
I strongly urge the authorities concerned as well as the National Autism Society of Malaysia to look into the matter immediately.
31 July 2008
Autistic teenager bullied by schoolmates
THE father of a 16-year-old autistic schoolboy claimed his son was assaulted by two classmates and that the actual perpetrator was a teacher. THE father of a 16-year-old autistic schoolboy claimed his son was assaulted by two classmates and that the actual perpetrator was a teacher.
A. Suriyakaanth is enrolled in a special class at Sekolah Menengah Seksyen 19, Shah Alam. The incident occurred on Tuesday about 10.30am.
His son had often been bullied in school but this was the worst incident, said the boy’s father, Arunaselam Letchimanan.
Added Arunaselam: “My son is autistic and because of that, he is not popular in class. But how can this happen? Aren’t teachers supposed to be guardians of their wards? “Apparently, my son was not at his best behaviour in class.
So the teacher instructed two other boys to beat up my son.
Suriya was punched in his face by the boys.” About 11.30am, the school called and asked that he pick up his son. However, when Suriyakaanth’s brother arrived in school at 2pm, the boy was nowhere to be found.
The school authorities, he added, said Suriyakaanth had left the school compound.
“Aren’t they supposed to be responsible for my son’s welfare during school hours? How can they let him out and then tell me they don’t know where he is?” asked Arunaselam.
Later, however, a friend who stays near the school informed Arunaselam that Suriyakaanth was in his house.
Arunaselam has already complained to the State education department but no action has been taken, he said.
School authorities declined to comment on the allegations
THE father of a 16-year-old autistic schoolboy claimed his son was assaulted by two classmates and that the actual perpetrator was a teacher. THE father of a 16-year-old autistic schoolboy claimed his son was assaulted by two classmates and that the actual perpetrator was a teacher.
A. Suriyakaanth is enrolled in a special class at Sekolah Menengah Seksyen 19, Shah Alam. The incident occurred on Tuesday about 10.30am.
His son had often been bullied in school but this was the worst incident, said the boy’s father, Arunaselam Letchimanan.
Added Arunaselam: “My son is autistic and because of that, he is not popular in class. But how can this happen? Aren’t teachers supposed to be guardians of their wards? “Apparently, my son was not at his best behaviour in class.
So the teacher instructed two other boys to beat up my son.
Suriya was punched in his face by the boys.” About 11.30am, the school called and asked that he pick up his son. However, when Suriyakaanth’s brother arrived in school at 2pm, the boy was nowhere to be found.
The school authorities, he added, said Suriyakaanth had left the school compound.
“Aren’t they supposed to be responsible for my son’s welfare during school hours? How can they let him out and then tell me they don’t know where he is?” asked Arunaselam.
Later, however, a friend who stays near the school informed Arunaselam that Suriyakaanth was in his house.
Arunaselam has already complained to the State education department but no action has been taken, he said.
School authorities declined to comment on the allegations
