A MIXED-METHOD EVALUATION OF THE FINANCIAL AID SYSTEM FOR DISABLED PERSONS IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, one poignant issue hotly discussed is the social protection of the citizens, especially financial aid for poor and marginalized groups. Regardless of the recent increase in the amount of financial aid for certain sets of disabled persons in Malaysia, the present study interrogates broader structural issues and implications concerning the financial aid system for disabled persons as a whole. This study draws its data from a content analysis of the eligibility criteria of selected financial aid programs and feedback from the grassroots community. Most respondents from the online survey admit that they still need financial aid to sustain their survival. They also agree that the current financial aid system needs to be changed. In determining the financial aid amount, the top three determinants are having a chronic illness, the number of dependants, and employment status. Equally notable, most respondents disagree with gender as one of the determinants. The content analysis, on the other hand, reveals that few requirements and the overall financial aid model no longer reflect the current situation. In each financial aid program, there exist direct and indirect layers of biopower. Policies on financial aid for disabled persons and the social protection system, in general, must be revamped. At the end of this article, multi-pronged solutions are discussed.