Orang Asli Dept ready to clarify Gerik land issue, says its DG

The Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) will provide further clarifications on the customary land issue in Gerik, Perak if no solution is forthcoming following an ongoing high-level discussion on the matter.

At present, Jakoa director-general Juli Edo (photo, above) said he believed the issue was best resolved through the discussions involving Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department P Waythamoorthy and Attorney-General Tommy Thomas.

"If the issues remain unresolved, we from Jakoa are ready to provide further clarification on the matter.

"But I hope it won't remain unresolved. Let it be resolved. These type of issues are best solved through discussions," Juli told reporters after officiating the launch of an event to celebrate Malaysia's indigenous people that was hosted by the University Malaya Center for Indigenous Studies (CMIS) in Petaling Jaya.

"I hope the state and the federal governments will reach an agreement on the matter," he added.

Ahmad Faizal had come under criticism over his refusal to recognise Orang Asli customary land and defence of logging activities in their area, which was undertaken with permission from the Perak government.

Following a meeting, Faizal and Waythamoorthy had issued a joint statement saying that Perak state government has agreed to temporarily halt logging activities around an Orang Asli area in Gerik.

The statement said Orang Asli issues would be jointly tackled by the federal and state governments.

The Temiar Orang Asli community in Gerik had repeatedly faced arrests from the authorities for setting up blockades to deter logging activities in their area.

The latest standoff occurred on July 23 and led to the arrest of three Orang Asli.

Among those arrested was Pam Ayeek (photo), who is one of the guests at today's event.

"Our intention is to fight for a permanent end to the logging activities. We shall see about it (temporary halt)...we will continue to put pressure (for a permanent end)," said Pam.

'Celebrating indigenous people'

Meanwhile, Juli earlier officiated the day's celebration of Malaysia's diverse indigenous people's cultures through various interactive displays and discussion sessions.

Among others, CMIS head Dr Welyne Jeffrey Jehom earlier tested out a virtual reality "tour" of a Hari Moyang (ancestor's day) celebration in Sungai Bumbun, Pulau Carey.

Using a VR system developed by Sunway University's Center for Research-Creation in Digital Media, guests can experience a seven-minute reconstruction of the Mah Meri Orang Asli's ritual to honour their ancestors.

Other interactive features on display include an augmented reality application that brings a digital element to traditional folklore stories.

Aside from Orang Asli in the peninsula, there were also talks and video screening sessions organised on the indigenous people of East Malaysia, ranging from their languages, dances and the iconic Pua Kumbu woven cloth. - Mkini