29 October 2025 — It was a historic and inspiring day for the Deaf community as around 30 Deaf participants from the Enhancing Political Participation for the Deaf (EPPD) programme visited the Malaysian Parliament at the invitation of Dewan Rakyat Speaker YB Tan Sri Dato’ Johari Abdul.
The visit, jointly organised by the Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (DAWN), EMPOWER, and Persatuan Jurubahasa dan Penterjemah Komuniti Pekak Selangor dan Kuala Lumpur (JUPEBIM), is believed to be the first-ever all-Deaf delegation to enter Parliament. The programme offered participants an invaluable opportunity to witness Malaysia’s democratic process up close, engage with parliamentary leaders, and learn about the legislative system.
The delegation was warmly received by Tan Sri Dato’ Johari Abdul, who graciously hosted a lunch and interactive Q&A session. During the dialogue, participants raised important questions about recognising Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) as the official language of the Deaf community. The Speaker responded positively, expressing his commitment to arrange follow-up meetings with YB Yeoh Bee Yin, Chairperson of the Special Task Group, and the Ministry of Education’s Special Needs Division to discuss the matter further.
In his Facebook post, the Speaker highlighted: “Program ini bertujuan untuk mendedahkan para peserta komuniti Pekak kepada proses penggubalan undang-undang dan perbahasan ala Parlimen di Dewan Rakyat, di samping memberi pemahaman yang lebih mendalam tentang peranan Parlimen sebagai wadah untuk mengemukakan dan memperjuangkan isu-isu yang melibatkan komuniti Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU)… Lawatan ini mencerminkan komitmen Parlimen Malaysia untuk memperkasa keterangkuman dan memastikan akses saksama kepada semua lapisan masyarakat sejajar dengan aspirasi Parlimen untuk semua.”
A Meaningful and Educational Experience
For many participants, this was their first experience inside Parliament, and it proved deeply educational. They shared their excitement at meeting national leaders, learning about parliamentary debates, and gaining a clearer understanding of how policies are shaped.
The visit also fostered a stronger sense of civic engagement, with participants expressing hope for greater Deaf representation and inclusion in Malaysia’s political landscape. Many described the experience as empowering and inspiring — a reminder that the Deaf community has a vital voice in the nation’s democratic journey.
Moving Forward Together
The Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (DAWN) extends heartfelt appreciation to Tan Sri Dato’ Johari Abdul, EMPOWER, JUPEBIM, and the Parliament of Malaysia for making this historic moment possible.
This milestone marks an important step toward greater accessibility, recognition of Malaysian Sign Language (BIM), and equal participation for the Deaf community in national affairs. DAWN remains committed to continuing its advocacy for inclusion, wellbeing, and representation — ensuring that every Malaysian, regardless of hearing status, has a place in shaping the nation’s future.
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