Tok batins are not political lackeys, say Orang Asli

A group of Orang Asli from Cameron Highlands pose for a photograph. (Facebook pic)

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Orang Asli community leaders here have come out in defence of tok batins, after a senator “threatened” that their salaries would be cut if they did not support Pakatan Harapan (PH).

They said the tok batins, or village chiefs, were not political lackeys who could easily be threatened by political leaders.

Bob Manolan, a PKR senator representing the Orang Asli community, had reportedly said the tok batins in Cameron Highlands who did not support the government in the coming by-election could be sacked.

He has since denied threatening the village chiefs and clarified that he was merely telling the tok batins who were Umno branch chiefs and refused to attend meetings held by government agencies.

Bah Long Siang, an Orang Asli leader from Sungai Ruil, said the tok batins were not politically appointed but were chosen by their community.

“As a senator, he should understand better the ways of the Orang Asli who appoint their tok batins.

“They are chosen by their community according to their villages, and not what politicians want.

“We are disappointed, sad and angry. As a senator, he shouldn’t say such things,” he told FMT.

Bah said Manolan’s comments were “insulting” and belittled the Orang Asli community.

However, he said the village heads would not easily bow to political pressure.

“But if their posts are taken away from them, or if they don’t get their salaries, they can just resign. It is not a problem.

“As it is, they are only getting allowances of between RM700 and RM800. How much is that? They can survive on other jobs. They do not need the allowance,” he said.

A representative of Pro-PH, an Orang Asli association aligned to the ruling coalition, who only wanted to be known as Karim, described Manolan’s comments as “unwise”.

He said some politicians were “still stuck in opposition mentality”.

“Voters should not be threatened as voting is an individual right.

“We are moving towards strengthening democracy. A friendlier approach is needed to draw voters, hence I disagree with his comments,” he said.

Karim said leaders from Pakatan Harapan should be more cautious when issuing statements as they could be taken advantage of during the by-election campaign.

He urged Manolan to make an open apology to the Orang Asli. - FMT