Customary land rights not rhetoric, education no bargaining chip

 

We, representing grassroots Orang Asli communities, village organisations, civil society organisations and Orang Asli community leaders from across Peninsular Malaysia, express our deep disappointment and concern over recent statements made by two MPs over the rights of the Orang Asli.

1. Statement on the proposed Independent National Commission on Orang Asli

We note the statement made by Deputy Rural and Regional Development Rubiah Wang during the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament (reported by Astro Awani on July 8, 2026), claiming that the majority of Orang Asli oppose the proposed establishment of an Independent National Commission on Orang Asli.

We question the basis of that assertion.

When was this assessment conducted? Which communities, organisations or representatives were consulted? Was the process conducted in accordance with the principles of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)?

Any policy affecting the Orang Asli must be developed through meaningful consultation with grassroots communities, rather than assumptions or views formed without an appropriate consultation process.

Rubiah Wang

2. Statement that customary land issues are merely "rhetoric"

We also object to the statement made by deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker Ramli Nor on July, 13 2026, describing customary land issues as merely "rhetoric" and suggesting that education is what truly matters.

We wish to emphasise that customary land and education are not competing choices. Both are fundamental rights that complement one another.

Customary land forms the foundation of Orang Asli identity, culture, dignity, history, economic security and survival. Education creates opportunities for younger generations to build a better future. Denying either one amounts to denying the rights of the Orang Asli as a whole.

Many Orang Asli parents continue to finance their children's education through the income generated from their customary lands and farms. These lands help send children to schools, colleges and universities.

Likewise, many retired civil servants, former police officers, military personnel and former Orang Asli Development Department staff return to their villages after retirement to work on their customary lands as a source of livelihood.

The reality is that customary land is not merely a theoretical debate or political rhetoric. Almost every week, Orang Asli communities face land encroachment, land clearing without consent, forest destruction and other disputes that directly affect their lives. This is a real and ongoing crisis.

It is therefore inappropriate to portray the defence of customary land rights as being incompatible with the advancement or education of the Orang Asli.

Our demands

ADS

Accordingly, we call for:

1. Both MPs to withdraw their statements and responsibly provide public clarification.

2. The federal government to conduct meaningful, transparent and comprehensive consultation with Orang Asli communities before formulating or implementing any policy affecting the Orang Asli, in accordance with the principles of FPIC.

3. State governments to strengthen efforts to protect Orang Asli customary lands from encroachment, unlawful land clearing and all forms of threats against Orang Asli communities.

4. All political leaders and public officials to exercise greater care when making statements concerning the Orang Asli and to respect their rights, dignity and constitutional position.

We remain committed to working constructively with the federal and state governments, relevant institutions and all stakeholders to achieve fair and lasting solutions based on dialogue, respect for Orang Asli rights and the rule of law. - Mkini

An Orang Asli settlement

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Issued by:

1. Peninsular Malaysia Orang Asli Villages Network
2. Kelantan Orang Asli Villages Network
3. Pahang Orang Asli Villages Network
4. Malaysian Indigenous Women’s Association
5. KenRAAK
6. Centre for Orang Asli Concerns
7. Peninsular Orang Asli Association
8. Pusat Komas
9. Johor Orang Asli Villages Network
10. Negeri Sembilan dan Malacca Orang Asli Villages Network
11. Semaq Beri Association
12. Action Committee for the Customary Land Rights of Kampung Chang Lama Gepai, Bidor
13. Action Committee for the Customary Land Rights of Kampung Orang Asli Kudung, Bekok
14. Pahang Jakun Association
15. Pahang Semelai Association
16. Batin Ahmad bin Mat and the residents of Kampung Lenek
17. Batin Budin bin Mating and the residents of Kampung Sejambak Dapur, Pagoh
18. Pra'lox Territory Orang Asli Villages Network
19. Angkek Territory Orang Asli Villages Network
20. Panesar Territory Orang Asli Villages Network
21. Per'yas Territory Orang Asli Villages Network
22. Puyan Territory Orang Asli Villages Network
23. U'yas Territory Orang Asli Villages Network
24. Balar Territory Orang Asli Villages Network
25. Belatim Territory Orang Asli Villages Network
26. Ber Territory Orang Asli Villages Network
27. Ha'ed Territory Orang Asli Villages Network
28. Mend'rod Territory Orang Asli Villages Network

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.