Muhyiddin 'failed' to protect Orang Asli, should resign - Cameron Highlands MP

 

Cameron Highlands MP Ramli Mohd Nor has called for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s resignation citing the latter’s failure to protect the interest of the Orang Asli.

In a statement this morning, Ramli said the PN government under Muhyiddin has failed the community and listed out the issues including:

1. The lack of a strategic development plan for the Orang Asli community.

2. The Orang Asli Economic Development Corporation (PKPEOA) which failed to materialise.

3. Failure to appoint a member of the Orang Asli community as the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) director and left the position vacant for more than six months.

4. No representation of Orang Asli in the cabinet.

Ramli claimed the indigenous community fared better under Umno rule in the past compared to PN and Harapan.

“It is clear the administration and management of services toward the peninsular Orang Asli community were much better during the rule of Barisan Nasional/Umno government,

“Compared to the administrations of Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional which only offered ‘sweet promises’ or ‘lip service’ to the Orang Asli community.

Ramli is referring to the Orang Asli community living in Peninsular Malaysia, which numbered 18 tribes with a population of around 200,000 in total.

Stressing that he is the sole Orang Asli MP after 64 years of independence, Ramli called on the Orang Asli to vote for BN/Umno during the next general election.

“[...] It’s clear that is the best option compared to Harapan or PN which we saw only paying more attention to politics and strengthening their political positions and interests.

“Rather than taking care of Orang Asli’s interest and wellbeing which is enshrined in Article 8(5) of the Federal Constitution,” he said.

During the Pakatan Harapan administration in 2019, the federal government took legal action against the Kelantan state government for violating Orang Asli land rights.

Harapan also held the first National Orang Asli Conference in 2019, where former minister in the prime minister’s department P Waythamoorthy met with Orang Asli representatives and activists to discuss issues affecting the community.

Ramli’s statement came amid the seemingly imminent resignation of Muhyiddin today. - Mkini