By: Azman Zakaria
Photo by: Noor Azreen Awang
SERDANG, Mar 19: “I have never made my disability an excuse not to work and give up. In fact, it actually motivates me to succeed like everyone else, ”said Hussain Said, a person with disability (OKU).
That principle was upheld by him since he was on a wheelchair in Form One, when it started to get difficult, and he could not walk normally.
Today, he managed to attain a Master's Degree in Malay Language and Communication at the 45th Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Convocation Ceremony here.
Hussain, 27, hails from Wakaf Baru, Kelantan, but now he lives in Tanjung Karang, Selangor, received the Master's Degree from UPM Tuanku Chancellor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, at Session 1 of the Convocation Ceremony.
He said he accepted faith and always thought positive because he believed that despite the physical condition he had, there would be wisdom (hikmah).
"Disability is not an excuse to give up, and today I am grateful to have managed to obtain a Master’s degree," he said.
He said he was first diagnosed with leg problems, and he could not walk even though he was three years old, while his twin, Hassan, was able to walk and run.
“My mother, Siti Rusiyah Sidek, began to notice the muscles around the knees did not grow, unlike my twin. The soles on both my legs were curved inwards, so I couldn't stand for long, ”said the fifth child of the six siblings.
He said when he was in primary school, he was able to walk a little but limped, but when he started Form One, he could not stand for a long time, causing the need to use a wheelchair.
“At first, it was difficult to adjust to being in a wheelchair and seeing other friends able to have fun and play sports. But I am determined and able to participate in petanque competitions at the Kuala Selangor district level, ” he said.
He said among the difficulties faced while studying for a Master's degree was when he wanted to discuss with his friends because he was living in a residential college with OKU facilities, while his friends were in other residential colleges.
"But because I can drive, I will put my own wheelchair in the car to move anywhere, including going to college or discussing with my friends," he said.
According to him, despite the Movement Control Order (PKP) implemented by the government due to the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago, it had made it easier for him in his studies as he did not have to attend lectures in class but instead attended lectures virtually. - UPM
