The Star - Vicky Ooi (19th Nov 1997)

ARTISTE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST PREJUDICE
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Singer Alfred Ho does not believe in meekly waiting for things to happen. Instead, he constantly strives for the best in life. And it has been difficult every step of the way.

He doesn't expect people to hand everything to him on a silver platter just because he is blind. He only wants to be given a fair chance in spite of his blindness. Above all he wishes for sincerity.

Both are hard to come by, despite Malaysians' general generosity with money. Being one who bluntly speaks his mind, Ho inadvertently bruises a few egos.

It will not stop him from being honest, he affirms, nor will it prejudice, intimidate him or make him give up his dream.

That dream is to become an instantly recognisable voice heard in Malaysian homes. Yes, he wants to be a radio deejay.

"Why do the blind have to be either telephone operators or stenographers? It is frustrating to find people restricting us to these jobs. We are not so much disabled by our sightlessness than the narrow-minded attitude of others", lamented Ho.

Ho's recent experiences as a DJ in one of the local radio stations was to say the least, unpleasant. "It was mainly the station management's insincerity that frustrated me. If I was lousy at the job, they ought to have told me so. They could choose to end my services or train me up, but they did neither. I was very willing to learn to operate the studio equipment but no one was willing to teach me," Ho said.

Still the 48 year old recording artiste continues to hope the handicapped will not be discriminated in employment and that they will be treated with respect and consideration.