KUALA LUMPUR: Persatuan OKU Sentral (OKU Sentral) is celebrating this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with performances at the upcoming Ilham 2022 Concert, featuring some of the most talented stage performers amongst Malaysia’s PwD community on Monday (Dec 19).

OKU Sentral president Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi (pic) said the Ilham 2022 Concert will feature performances by PwD friends and expressed hope that performing would lift their spirits and empower them as it was a platform for them to showcase their talents as stage performers.

“The past two years has no doubt been a trying time for our PwD friends. We have lost a few of them, and many have also lost loved ones and suffered financially.

“Hence, it is time for us to celebrate them and experience their ‘magic’ first-hand as we commemorate the International Day of PwDs, which is celebrated worldwide on Dec 3 annually,” she said in a statement here Saturday (Dec 17).

Ras Adiba, who is also a Senator representing the nation’s PwD community in Parliament, said she wished that more people would discover and appreciate these talented PwD performers.

Those performing at the Ilham 2022 Concert include Ras Adiba, Khai & Dini, Umar Hasfizal, Shahril of Muniros and Eyelitz Dancers, along with Anak Seni OKU Sentral, OS Wheelies, Permata Gemalai Sari, Adik Neranjan Maniam from PPKI SMK Desa Perdana KL, Low Mee Li & Orange of OS/Beautiful Gate and Tadika Istika Jaya.

There will be two sessions of the concert, at 3pm and 8pm, at Stage 1 Theatre, Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), 1 Utama Shopping Centre.

Extending her gratitude, Ras Adiba, who is also Bernama chairman, said she was grateful to be given this opportunity to carry out OKU Sentral’s mission in representing and empowering the PwDs.

“I’m especially grateful to our talented PwD friends who agreed to come out to perform and showcase their talent, as it is important for us to share their abilities and skills,” she said.

She also extended her heartfelt gratitude to all programme partners and supporters including Yayasan Hasanah, CIMB, CIMB Foundation, Yayasan Sime Darby, Yayasan Telekom Malaysia, Celmonzee Wellness and Glenreagh Sdn Bhd.

When contacted by Bernama, Ras Adiba hoped that the concert, which is being held on a grand scale this time, would spread abroad some day in the future.

“We also hope for an opportunity to bring these performances throughout the country so that every state can watch us PwDs perform, with sponsorship from our supporters,” she said.

She added that there were a variety of performances, including singing, modern and traditional dances as well as performances by children with disabilities.

Those interested in watching the concert can contact Eita at 012-325 0326 or Linda at 013-356 5939 for ticket bookings as seats for both sessions are limited. – Bernama