Act to be reviewed to safeguard Orang Asli rights
The Deputy Prime Minister said comprehensive studies are also being carried out to review existing aspects in the Act.
Citing early findings from the studies and engagements with Orang Asli leaders, Ahmad Zahid, who is Rural and Regional Development Minister, said several Orang Asli matters have been identified as requiring amendments.
This includes customary land matters, welfare, the management of customary marriages and also governance of traditional leadership in the Orang Asli community.
'I want to assure all that the rights of the Orang Asli community will be defended and improved. Engagements will continue until the amendments are tabled,' he said during Minister Question Time.
He also said a special meeting with the Orang Asli Development Council (MaPOA), will be held concurrently with the National Land Council and chaired by the Prime Minister.'
Ahmad Zahid said that the Act has not undergone any substantive revision since it came into force in 1954.
'The Act was established to prevent the Orang Asli's involvement in communist activities. The situation now is different as we must focus on education, welfare, infrastructure and the community's future.'
The Deputy Prime Minister also said the government is developing a comprehensive and inclusive Orang Asli Development Policy.
The policy is aligned with the Rural Development Policy alongside Malaysia's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
He added that the policy will focus on seven strategies, which are land matters, education, healthcare, economy, leadership, infrastructure and culture.
He was responding to Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) who asked if the government intends to amend the Aboriginal Peoples Act to ensure the community's rights are upheld.
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