Orang Asli in Camerons treated less than human, says Manogaran

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: DAP’s former candidate for Cameron Highlands M Manogaran has accused Barisan Nasional (BN) of treating the Orang Asli like they are less than human.

Speaking to FMT, Manogaran said every election, gifts and threats alike would be thrown at the Orang Asli to keep them silent and obedient to the BN government.

“The assumption is that these Orang Asli are society’s scum, that they are good for nothing and that all you need to do is to throw cigarettes, money, liquor and promises their way to keep them quiet,” he said.

“And just for good measure, scare them into voting for you by telling them that if they don’t, all these gifts will stop coming.”

He said although BN had often promised to help the Orang Asli if they voted for the coalition, these promises were frequently proven false.

The bad condition of roads which he has often highlighted was just one example, he added.

Manogaran said in Cameron Highlands, Orang Asli made up 20% of the electorate which was a significant number.

This was why BN was so gung-ho about the parliamentary seat, to the point where the MIC and MyPPP president M Kayveas were competing to be candidate, he said.

“BN is confident that the Orang Asli will continue to be obedient, so everyone sees Cameron Highlands as a free ticket to becoming an MP.

“As for Pakatan Harapan, we have a different reason,” he said, adding that the opposition had finally been able to penetrate the Orang Asli villages and campaign for support there.

“We want to bring change, we want to help the Orang Asli and we believe we’re finally able to show the Orang Asli that they have an alternative to BN’s oppression.”

Manogaran said it was the responsibility of all Malaysians to help the Orang Asli and ensure that they were treated like human beings.

“They are the original owners of this land. To them, we are all pendatang. It’s only fair that they be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.” -FMT