Waytha: Gov't must address Orang Asli issues with conviction

Next Monday, the long-awaited National Orang Asli Conference will take place in Putrajaya.

De facto national unity minister P Waythamoorthy intends to ensure that the conference is not mere lip-service, but the beginning of a new era that will improve the standards of living for the community.

"We need to address the Orang Asli predicament with conviction," he told Malaysiakini.

"As a minority and the first people of this nation, recognition of this vulnerable group is important."

Waythamoorthy is well aware of accusations that the Harapan government may just be making cosmetic changes.

"Orang Asli suffer more than others due to encroachment into their customary lands. This is contributing to their deprivation because of their cultural and economic dependence on environmental resources, derived for example from their foraging areas including catchment areas and rivers."

The conference will primarily deal with issues relating to their customary lands and the necessity to consult to obtain free, prior and informed consent from them on future projects, the minister said.

"Other issues such as preserving their way of life, culture, basic needs and infrastructure issues will also be discussed."

A new way forward

The conference will see tok batin (village heads), community elders, NGOs and academics address the issues of the Orang Asli.

The goal is to formulate a new direction and way forward that offers both economic growth and sustainability, as well as the preservation of language and culture.

In the run-up to the conference, newly elected Cameron Highlands MP Ramli Mohd Nor made a stir, calling for the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) to be placed under the Rural Development Ministry again, rather than Waythamoorthy's purview.

Ramli also objected to the rumoured early termination of Jakoa director-general Ajis Sitin, who is married to his cousin.

Waythamoorthy says he wants to move beyond such issues.

"Irrespective of what has been in the past, from my interaction with the Jakoa officers, they are all very keen to assist me to push forward the agenda to alleviate the socio-economic position of the Orang Asli.

"Previous action plans and programmes did not produce the desired results, even with the clear directions given in the 1961 Policy Statement,” he said.

Waythamoorthy was referring to a 1961 document, “Statement of Policy Regarding the Administration of the Orang Asli of Peninsula Malaysia", which had reaffirmed the government’s intention to continue to protect and recognise Orang Asli rights.

"I believe the present Harapan government will do its best to adhere to that policy statement that was intended by our forefathers to safeguard and assist the Orang Asli community," the minister added. - Mkini