Orang Asli still neglected as country heads for GE15 - activist

The Orang Asli community continues to be neglected even as the country is heading into the 15th general election (GE15), lamented an activist.

Orang Asli Development Cooperative founder Ramesh Arumugam Chettiar gave the example of indigenous fisherfolk, particularly the Orang Seletar, who he says do not get government aid during the monsoon season.

“The reason is that they are not part of the fisherfolk associations… Whose fault is it that the Orang Asli were not registered as members? It is the fault of the federal and state governments since Merdeka,” Ramesh said in a statement yesterday.

He said the Orang Asli fisherfolk are unable to go out during the monsoon season due to the rough sea conditions and dilapidated boats which are unsafe.

Some days, he added, they are even unable to have food during the monsoon season.

Orang Asli Development Cooperative founder Ramesh Arumugam Chettiar

Besides fisherfolk, indigenous rubber tappers also do not get any government aid during the monsoon season, he said.

The rubber tappers are unable to make their daily income when the rain prevents them from going into the forest, Ramesh said.

“These thousands of Orang Asli people should not be sidelined even after 65 years of independence.

“Fisherfolk, farmers, rubber tappers, settlers are all given aid but the Orang Asli receives no help at all,” he said, accusing politicians of only thinking about the indigenous community during general elections.

He also complained that only tok batins and village chiefs receive special treatment from the government, with monthly salaries and a recent special incentive of RM1,000.

“Why aren’t the tens of thousands of Orang Asli led by these tok batin also helped during the impending calamitous season?

“Is it because they are indigenous people and so their voices go unheard?

“Politicians should understand that Orang Asli votes can enable a government to be formed. Should the Orang Asli community in this country not go out to vote during the general election?” Ramesh asked. - Mkini