Latest news with #AboriginalPeoplesAct1954
The Star
18-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ahmad Zahid urges focus on nation-building despite overseas cynicism
WELLINGTON: Leaders of the Madani administration should disregard cynicism and concentrate on nation-building during their overseas engagements, urged Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ( pic ). He stated that such scepticism often originates from opponents of the government's efforts, even when those efforts are beneficial to the nation. "If it's something good, ask your friends. But if it's something questionable, ask your enemies. It doesn't matter how good our deeds are; they will still find fault," he remarked at a press conference on Friday (July 18). Ahmad Zahid acknowledged that cynicism has become a "daily staple" for the opposition, particularly when leaders travel abroad to enhance bilateral ties and trade. "They will be cynical whether the official assignment abroad involves ministers, the deputy prime minister, or the prime minister. The important thing in these official visits is the knowledge, experience, and exposure gained in new sectors that may not yet exist in our country. These are opportunities that we can explore," he said. He criticised certain opposition leaders for using religion or alleged moral superiority to attack the government's positive efforts. "Cynicism borne out of such attitudes is dangerous, especially when cloaked in the guise of religious credibility," he added. Ahmad Zahid was responding to criticism of his five-day working visit to New Zealand to bolster bilateral and trade ties. Among the initiatives were efforts to learn from the Maori in New Zealand about managing cultural and economic affairs, including land rights. This follows proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), which is set for significant updates after 71 years. He assured that all 377 Orang Asli leaders would be consulted for feedback on the proposed amendments, likely to be tabled in Parliament next March. This includes input from related NGOs, Orang Asli professionals, and academics. Ahmad Zahid described his visit as successful in strengthening bilateral and trade relations with New Zealand. Notably, New Zealand has agreed to join the Asean Halal Council as an associated member during the Asean Summit in October. Additionally, New Zealand companies with halal certification are invited to use Malaysia as a halal distribution hub for Asean and the surrounding region. Letters of intent were signed with seven universities in New Zealand to offer twinning programmes with two local Malaysian universities. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will also be inked between New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) and Malaysia's Central Disaster Management Committee (Nadma) to enhance disaster management cooperation. Ahmad Zahid's working visit to New Zealand took place from July 14 to July 18. The last high-ranking visit to New Zealand was by former Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, from March 30 to April 1, 2005, aimed at boosting economic links between Malaysia and New Zealand.
Free Malaysia Today
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Step up talks before amending Orang Asli law, govt told
Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said that the New Zealand model could not be adopted wholesale and must be adapted to suit the unique needs and realities of Malaysia's Orang Asli communities. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The Orang Asli have urged the government to step up engagement with their community before amending the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954, saying any policy improvements must bring about meaningful and holistic change to their lives. Aboriginal Peoples Association of Peninsular Malaysia (POASM) president Ajis Sitin called for more engagement sessions, particularly with leaders and professionals from the community, to ensure that their views are taken into account. He warned that rushing the process or relying solely on the perspective of selected stakeholders, or models from other indigenous communities such as the Maori in New Zealand, risked failure if the voice of the grassroots was excluded. 'We've been informed that the government has concluded consultations with stakeholders regarding the amendments to the Act, but many Orang Asli leaders, intellectuals, and legal practitioners were not involved or invited to provide feedback,' said Ajis. Ajis Sitin. 'I urge the rural and regional development ministry to engage with Orang Asli professionals, community leaders, and grassroots representatives.' Ajis, a former senator, also suggested a thorough review of issues involving the allocation of resources, land rights, social matters such as marriage, and customary practices in the proposed amendments. Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday that the Aboriginal Peoples Act would be amended after more than 70 years, taking inspiration from the Maori empowerment model in New Zealand. Key features from the New Zealand approach that might be adapted to Malaysia include land ownership rights, inclusive access to education, and the establishment of a dedicated funding agency to support indigenous entrepreneurship. However, Zahid said that the New Zealand model could not be adopted wholesale and must be adapted to suit the unique needs and realities of Malaysia's Orang Asli communities. Meanwhile, Parti Orang Asli Malaysia president Rashid Ka' said the success of the Maori community was largely due to the New Zealand government's recognition of their voice. He said even indigenous political parties such as Te Pati Maori were given a platform in national decision-making. 'But in Malaysia, Orang Asli voices are still not being heard in a meaningful way,' he said, adding that most in the community only learned about the proposed amendments through media reports. He added that the effectiveness of legislative reforms would depend on the government's willingness to reform the Orang Asli development department (Jakoa). 'The Orang Asli have long called for Jakoa to be led by our own people, selected based on merit, not favouritism or political connections. 'I propose that at least 95% of positions in Jakoa be filled by Orang Asli,' he said.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Orang Asli Act to get major revamp
Strengthening ties: Ahmad Zahid (second, left) holding a bilateral meeting with Seymour (second, right) at the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister's Office at the Beehive building in Wellington. — Bernama WELLINGTON: After more than 70 years, significant changes will be made to laws concerning the rights and welfare of the Orang Asli community, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said the proposed amendments will be wide-ranging and cover not only land-related matters but also other aspects that were inspired by laws for the Maori community in New Zealand. 'The Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) is now 71 years old and many aspects need to be reviewed,' said Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister. Orang Asli affairs fall under the ministry's portfolio. 'We are not only looking at land ownership but also their rights in education, business and financing. 'Of course, we cannot fully adopt New Zealand's model, but its approach can be adapted based on the needs and realities of Malaysia's Orang Asli community,' Ahmad Zahid told reporters at Malaysia House here yesterday. Some of the proposed amendments are derived from what was learnt during his working visit to New Zealand. Besides land protection, he noted that the Maori model also addressed both education and economic elements. 'The purpose of this amendment is to strengthen protection for the Orang Asli community. It will be brought to the Cabinet for discussions before being tabled in Parliament, debated and voted on,' he said. Engagements with relevant stakeholders, including academicians, village leaders from the community and state governments, will be ongoing while the amendments are being drafted. 'We do not want to exclude any party, so ongoing engagement sessions are being conducted with state leadership and representatives from the 377 Orang Asli villages in Peninsular Malaysia,' he said. He added that March next year would be the likely time frame for the amendments to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. The Orang Asli Development Department will also be tasked to look at the development of the Orang Asli community beyond their basic needs, such as infrastructure and education. Although the Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia number about 225,000, Ahmad Zahid said the government will not marginalise their rights. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid held a meeting with Maori Development Minister Tama Potaka at the New Zealand Parliament, known as the Beehive. The meeting provided both parties with the opportunity to share views on indigenous community development policies and strengthen cooperation to empower the Orang Asli community in Malaysia. Ahmad Zahid also met up with his counterpart, David Seymour, as well as with Ibrar Sheikh, president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand.
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Govt to amend Aboriginal Peoples Act, inspired by Maori model
WELLINGTON: The Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) is now undergoing amendments for the first time in over seven decades, drawing inspiration from New Zealand's Māori empowerment model, 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, 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. Zahid, who is the Rural and Regional Development Minister, 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. He 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, 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
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia considers Maori model to amend Aboriginal Peoples Act
WELLINGTON: The Malaysian government is reviewing the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) after 71 years, with plans to incorporate elements from New Zealand's Maori empowerment model. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi highlighted key areas for reform, including land ownership, education access, and financial support for indigenous entrepreneurs. Ahmad Zahid noted that New Zealand's approach offers valuable lessons but must be adapted to Malaysia's context. '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 during a press conference at Rumah Malaysia. The Deputy PM emphasised that while New Zealand's policies provide a useful framework, Malaysia's implementation must align with the needs of the Orang Asli community. Ahmad Zahid is currently on a five-day working visit to New Zealand, concluding 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
