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Free Malaysia Today
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Govt to review Orang Asli law, adapting NZ's Maori empowerment
New Zealand's model cannot be emulated as a whole but needs to be adapted according to the needs and realities faced by the Orang Asli, said deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The government is in the process of amending the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) which has not been reviewed in over 70 years, seeking to adapt New Zealand's model of empowering its Maori community. Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said key elements New Zealand had in place which Malaysia could adapt included land ownership rights, better access to education, and financing agencies dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship within the indigenous community. 'Act 134 is 71 years old and many aspects need to be re-examined,' he was quoted as saying by Bernama in Wellington, New Zealand, today. Zahid, who is on a work trip there until Friday, added that New Zealand's model could not be emulated as a whole but would need to be adapted according to the needs and realities faced by the Orang Asli. He said amendments to the law were still being drafted while stakeholder engagement was ongoing, involving Orang Asli academics, professionals and village leaders, among others. Zahid, the rural and regional development minister, said the Orang Asli development department (Jakoa) had been ordered to restructure its community development ecosystem to go beyond basic needs. 'The aim of the amendment is not to deny their rights, but to strengthen protection for the Orang Asli community,' he said, adding that close cooperation was needed with the various state governments since land ownership matters fall under their jurisdiction. Zahid added that there were more than 225,000 Orang Asli recorded in West Malaysia. He expects the proposed amendments to Act 134 to be tabled in Parliament in March next year.
Malay Mail
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Zahid unveils plan to amend 1954 Orang Asli Act, learning from NZ's Maori policies
WELLINGTON, July 16 — After more than seven decades without review, the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) is now being amended, drawing inspiration from the empowerment model of the Māori community in New Zealand, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said that among the key elements introduced by the New Zealand government — and potentially adaptable in Malaysia — are land ownership rights, more inclusive access to education, and the establishment of dedicated financing agencies to support indigenous entrepreneurship. 'This Act 134 is 71 years old, and many aspects need to be re-examined. Here in New Zealand, we are not only looking at land ownership issues, but also rights in education, business and financing,' he said at a press conference at Rumah Malaysia here today. However, Ahmad Zahid stressed that New Zealand's approach could not be adopted wholesale, as it must be adapted to suit the needs and realities of the Orang Asli community in Malaysia. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, is on a five-day working visit to New Zealand, which ends on Friday. He explained that the amendments to Act 134 are at the preliminary draft stage, with stakeholder engagement ongoing involving various parties, including Orang Asli academics and professionals. The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), which falls under his ministry, has been tasked with restructuring the community development ecosystem to ensure it goes beyond basic needs such as infrastructure and education. 'The aim of the amendment is not to deny rights, but to strengthen protection for the Orang Asli community. 'It will go through Cabinet-level discussions before being tabled in Parliament, debated, voted on, and subsequently presented to the King for his consent for gazetting,' he said. Ahmad Zahid also emphasised the need for close cooperation with state governments, given that land ownership matters fall under state jurisdiction. 'Engagement sessions with state leaders and representatives from 377 Orang Asli villages are ongoing. We want a comprehensive and inclusive approach,' he said. He said over 225,000 Orang Asli have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, and the government has never sidelined the interests of the community despite it being a minority. As such, he expects the draft amendments to Act 134 to be tabled in the March session of Parliament next year. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid held a meeting with New Zealand's Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, at the country's Parliament. The meeting opened avenues for bilateral cooperation in indigenous community development and served as a platform for policy and experience exchange between the two countries. He also held a bilateral meeting with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regulation, David Seymour, and attended an engagement session with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand president, Ibrar Sheikh, at Rumah Malaysia. — Bernama
Malay Mail
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Zahid: Orang Asli land law amendments in final stages, to be tabled in 2026
PUTRAJAYA, July 1 — The drafting of amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), which involves matters relating to land ownership among the Orang Asli community, is now in its final stages, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. 'Insya-Allah, it will be finalised by September at the latest and tabled in Parliament in March 2026," said Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, during the ministry's monthly assembly here today. In March, Ahmad Zahid said that the proposed amendments aim to improve several key areas affecting the Orang Asli, including land issues, infrastructure, education, housing and economic development. He said the Act is set to be amended for the first time in over 70 years, with several aspects under consideration, particularly concerning land or roaming areas, due to disputes between the Orang Asli community, private landowners and state governments. The last amendment to Act 134 was made in 1967, and the Act was reviewed in 1974. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid also called for the expansion of high-impact agricultural initiatives through the Agrotek Wilayah project under the Central Terengganu Development Authority (Ketengah). He said the smart farming approach for fertigation chili cultivation has the potential to increase national productivity and income levels. 'So far, 16,000 polybags have been planted across four acres of land by four participants. I believe, with proper guidance and appropriate technology, this project has the potential to produce 96,000 kilogrammes of chili with an estimated annual revenue of RM576,000,' he said. In addition, Ahmad Zahid urged Ketengah to spearhead the transformation of Kenyir Lake tourism through the Desa Kirana initiative and position it as an iconic destination contributing to the success of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 'I also want Kolej Ketengah to move beyond borders and work closely with the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) to enhance the expertise of its instructors, especially in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), so that the quality of education and training can be raised to a higher level,' he added. Ketengah, a statutory body under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), has been in operation for 52 years and has spent RM1.7 billion during that time to implement various programmes and projects aimed at regional development and improving community well-being. — Bernama
The Star
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Giving voice to Orang Asli
Working together: Ahmad Zahid (centre) attending a retreat marking one year since the Bumiputra Economic Congress in Putrajaya. Also present was Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib (second from right). — Bernama Amendments to Aboriginal Peoples Act expected this year PUTRAJAYA: Amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) are expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. He said engagement sessions on the proposed amendments had already been conducted, involving a wide range of stakeholders, including the Orang Asli community and non-governmental organisations. 'The struggle of the Orang Asli is not just something to be fulfilled, but something that must be deeply understood. 'We believe the younger generation among the Orang Asli, particularly those who have pursued higher education and earned doctorates, must be empowered and given expanded opportunities,' he told reporters after attending a retreat marking one year since the Bumiputra Economic Congress here yesterday. Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid stressed the importance of equalising economic opportunities for bumiputra across the nation, including in Sabah and Sarawak, to avoid significant development disparities. He also said efforts to uplift the bumiputra economy should not be viewed as marginalising other communities, Bernama reported. 'This is a fundamental principle. We do not need to be apologetic, nor should we feel guilty for championing these causes. We are not claiming special treatment, but rather implementing rights that are enshrined in the Federal Constitution,' he said. Ahmad Zahid also lauded Sarawak's early achievements in advancing the bumiputra empowerment agenda within the state, noting that its customised policies for local bumiputra should serve as a model for other states. Regarding the retreat, Ahmad Zahid said it would be made an annual event to collectively advance its development agenda. He said the annual session would also enable bumiputra development to be implemented across ministries, agencies and sectors. 'The time has come for us to move boldly, guided by strategic inventions that are data-based and backed by real results. 'Now is the time to prove that everything that has been planned is being implemented,' he said. Ahmad Zahid said he wanted every driver under the Bumiputra Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) to have a clear, aggressive and consistent communication plan. 'The people have the right to know how many bumiputra entrepreneurs have been produced this year, how many progressed from micro to medium enterprises and how many TVET graduates are earning monthly salaries of RM4,000 and above,' he said. To ensure PuTERA35 proceeds smoothly, he directed all deputy secretaries-general (policy) in each ministry to coordinate and monitor the plan's implementation. Ahmad Zahid called on all PuTERA35 drivers to prioritise the 132 initiatives contained in the plan so the people can see the targeted results and impact. 'So far, the implementation of programmes and projects under PuTERA35 has reached more than 15%,' he said. PuTERA35, launched in 2024, is a holistic action framework aimed at strengthening the bumiputra economy over the next 10 years.
Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Amendments to Aboriginal Peoples Act to be tabled this year, says DPM Zahid
PUTRAJAYA, May 23 — Amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) are expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. He said engagement sessions on the proposed amendments have already been conducted, involving a wide range of stakeholders, including the Orang Asli community and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 'The struggle of the Orang Asli is not just something to be fulfilled, but something that must be deeply understood. 'We believe the younger generation among the Orang Asli, particularly those who have pursued higher education and earned doctorates, must be empowered and given expanded opportunities,' he told reporters after attending a retreat marking one year since the Bumiputera Economic Congress (KEB) here today. Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid stressed the importance of equalising economic opportunities for Bumiputera across the nation, including in Sabah and Sarawak, to avoid significant development disparities. 'We must level the playing field for Bumiputera across the board, not only in Peninsular Malaysia, but especially in Sabah and Sarawak,' he said. He also said that efforts to uplift the Bumiputera economy should not be viewed as marginalising other communities. 'This is a fundamental principle. We do not need to be apologetic, nor should we feel guilty for championing these causes. We are not claiming special treatment, but rather, we are implementing rights that are enshrined in the Federal Constitution,' he said. Ahmad Zahid also lauded Sarawak's early achievements in advancing the Bumiputera empowerment agenda within the state, noting that its customised policies for local Bumiputera should serve as a model for other states. 'It is crucial that we learn from this early success and refine our strategies to ensure that no Bumiputera is left behind in the national development agenda,' he said. — Bernama
