Development blueprint for indigenous people in the works

 

The government says it ‘strongly believes’ in the rights of every human being, including the indigenous people, to enjoy the highest standard of physical and mental health. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: The government is preparing a blueprint on national development policy for the indigenous people, said the Prime Minister’s Department.

The blueprint will focus on seven areas: Economy, education, health, infrastructure, land, leadership and culture, said Ahmad Zamri Khairuddin, director of the regional development division at the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

“This is consistent with the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” he said at a forum organised by the United Nations Development Programme held in conjunction with International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2021.

Ahmad Zamri stressed that the government “strongly believes” in the rights of every human being to enjoy the highest standard of physical and mental health.

He also said the right to health and healthcare is particularly crucial in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly for poor and vulnerable groups like the Orang Asli and Orang Asal.

He noted that a total of RM50 million was allocated in Budget 2018 to raise the standard of living and economic development of the Orang Asli community, and this has grown to RM163 million in Budget 2021, an increase of about 320% over four years.

Ahmad Zamri said the focus of the government’s support to the Orang Asli community has also shifted during the period, from being more focused on increasing their standard of living, economic development and provision of housing to ensuring equitable and sustainable economic growth and environmental conservation.

He said the government also supports civil society partners to work closely with the Orang Asli communities.

Denison Jayasooria, from the secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia (APPGM) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said the theme of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2021 – “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract” – should also be reflected in Malaysia.

“This social contract, in the Malaysian context, with the new prime minister and Cabinet might set a new agenda for indigenous peoples and their rights,” said the sociologist. - FMT