Page 26 - Mainstreamer e-Magazine Volume 5, April 2024

FAR AND BEYOND: A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
What’s Next for Me?

Makmor
Tumin

s a person with a disability (PWD), one of my awareness of PWD rights is relatively advanced—
primary concerns has always been securing was fortunate. The circumstances of one’s birth are
Aemployment. I am grateful to God Almighty arbitrary from a moral standpoint, yet they have
that in 1997, at the age of 29, I was accepted as profound implications for one’s life trajectory.
a lecturer at Universiti Malaya. Having moved In addition to being blind, I also have a
from Johor Bharu to Kuala Lumpur, I pursued my history of kidney issues and have undergone
academic journey at this university, earning my transplantation twice. My first transplant was in
bachelor’s degree and PhD. I have been part of this 1994, when my brother generously donated his
institution for over 26 years and was promoted to kidney. Unfortunately, the graft failed 20 years
professor in late 2022. The following year, I was later, leading to a second transplant in 2014,
honoured with the Universiti Malaya Excellent this time from my wife. These experiences are
Lecturer Award. Although I am approaching the significant, yet they are just a part of my life
retirement age of 60 within the next three years, journey. Despite losing my eyesight and undergoing
I believe that age is merely a number, as many two kidney transplants, my current achievements
individuals over 90 remain active and well today. have profoundly humbled me. I am deeply grateful
My vision problems began at age 11, and by to everyone who has supported me along the way,
13, I could no longer read printed materials. This motivating me to become the person I am today.
motivated me to continue my education as soon “
significant and sudden change led my family to
withdraw me from school for more than a year. It
was not until I was 16, in 1983, that I was enrolled
in a special school for the blind in Setapak. Being
Recognising that employability is a
diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in both eyes

that I share—I am considering
as I joined the school for the blind. I later attended major concern for PWDs—a concern
Methodist Boy’s School in Kuala Lumpur before the establishment of a private
enrolling in Universiti Malaya for my undergraduate
and subsequent degrees. Studying at the university employment agency for PWDs at
level was challenging, but the supportive the ASEAN level. ”
ecosystem, which included excellent lecturers and
dedicated volunteers (known as readers), greatly As I approach retirement age within the next
facilitated my pursuit of knowledge. The facilities three years, I find myself not eagerly anticipating
provided to PWDs, for both students and staff at this next phase, but rather planning to remain
Universiti Malaya, continue to be exemplary. active and useful. I have begun reaching out to
Joining the teaching profession in 1997 several locally and internationally institutions to
presented both opportunities and challenges. express my interest in offering my services, driven
Although I did not choose to be blind, nor did I do by my enthusiasm and qualifications. Additionally,
anything to deserve such a supportive and inclusive I am engaging with various book publishing
environment at Universiti Malaya, I acknowledge industries to explore active involvement, and
that being born in Malaysia—a country where thankfully, some publishers have already offered

25 April 2024 | Vol. 5