PH was late in forming alliance with Orang Asli, says NGO

Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia says insensitive remarks by PH leaders did not do any favours for the ruling coalition in the Cameron Highlands by-election. (Facebook pic)

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: A pro-Pakatan Harapan Orang Asli NGO said the ruling coalition was defeated in the Cameron Highlands by-election because it failed to resolve issues faced by the community.

It said the issues included land matters and facilities for the Orang Asli.

Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (Joas) also said that PH was late in terms of getting acquainted with the community and forming an alliance with their leaders.

“Many in the community did not know of PH and what they stood for,” the NGO’s former president Yusri Ahon told FMT.

Yusri said insensitive remarks about the community made by several PH leaders were also to blame for the loss.

“There were many comments made that hurt the feelings of the Orang Asli community,” he said.

BN, on the other hand, refrained from making such remarks.

In the run-up to the polls, PH candidate M Manogaran was reported to have said that locals would not “even buy kuih” from the Orang Asli when explaining why BN’s decision to nominate Ramli Mohd Nor, an Orang Asli, would backfire.

He later apologised, saying he was merely citing the perception on the ground, stressing that he did not endorse such views.

Controversy was also sparked after PKR senator Bob Manolan Mohd said that Orang Asli village chiefs in Cameron Highlands could lose their salaries and posts if they did not support the federal government.

Bob Manolan also apologised for his comment and admitted he went “overboard”.

Yusri said, however, that despite its loss, PH should be encouraged by the inroads it made.

The ruling coalition increased its share of popular votes in several areas compared to the votes it garnered in the May 9 general election.

“Now they have to work harder to ensure the welfare of the Orang Asli is taken care of,” he said. -FMT