Latest news with #Jakoa
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- 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.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- 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 Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Maori community can be a model for Orang Asli tourism, socio-economic development, says Zahid
ROTORUA (New Zealand): The success of the Maori community, in transforming their village into a world-class tourism destination, presents an opportunity for Malaysia to adopt a similar model in developing Orang Asli settlements. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who visited the traditional Maori village in Rotorua, said that he saw strong potential in the approach, and believed that its concepts could be adapted for implementation in Malaysia. "Insya-Allah, there will be an area in Melaka designated as an international-class tourism centre for the Orang Asli community," he said at a press conference after attending a round table session with Maori business leaders, here, Tuesday (July 15). Ahmad Zahid is currently on a five-day working visit to New Zealand. On the second day of his visit, he travelled to Rotorua - a cultural and geothermal tourism hub, located about three hours from Auckland. Commenting further, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said that he had received approval from the relevant Melaka state executive councillor responsible for Orang Asli affairs, to move forward with the initiative. He said that the government's inclusive approach toward minority communities, including the Orang Asli, reflects the Madani government's commitment to ensuring that no group is left behind in the nation's development. He added that the New Zealand government continues to prioritise the welfare of its indigenous communities, even though about 70% of the population now has Maori heritage, through intermarriage and other factors. "Although Jakoa (Department for Orang Asli Development) manages the Orang Asli as a minority group, the Madani government continues to give them due attention and priority,' he said. He added that his appointment as the coordinator for minority communities, including the Orang Asli, allows him to ensure that no group is marginalised. "I will ensure that this community is not left behind, and will continue to be supported in a structured and sustainable manner,' he said. During the working visit, Ahmad Zahid and his delegation also toured the Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village and Onuku Farm - a sheep and dairy operation - to observe best practices in agriculture and livestock, which could be adapted for Malaysia's rural development sector. - Bernama
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
More than 500 Orang Asli enrolled in public, private unis this year, says Zahid
ROTORUA: More than 500 Orang Asli students have enrolled in local private and public universities to further their studies this year, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi ( pic ). The Deputy Prime Minister said this was among the achievements of the current administration to uplift the socioeconomic status of the nation's Orang Asli community. "Although the Orang Asli are a minority group, the Madani government will give attention and focus to ensure that they are not sidelined or left behind," he told reporters after attending the Maori Business Roundtable talks with Maori community leaders here on Tuesday (July 15). He said that the number of Orang Asli students enrolling in the local universities has been increasing since 2023. "The 300 enrollment target set in 2023 was exceeded and the target was exceeded again last year when we increased the number to 400. "This year's target of 500 enrollment was also exceeded," he said. Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Zahid announced that he will chair a special meeting soon with the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) to set up an Orang Asli Business Council. He said that the council will help expose the community to various viable business fields. He added that a micro credit scheme would also be set up under Amanah Ikthiar Malaysia to provide small loans to Orang Asli women and mothers to generate more income for their families. "We will also set up a TVET institution specifically for the Orang Asli. This will be done although there are already TVET institutions in the country," he added. On using tourism to boost the community's status, Dr Ahmad Zahid said that the Melaka Orang Asli affairs committee chairman had agreed to turn the existing Orang Asli village in Gapam Baru in Selandar, Alor Gajah into an international tourist attraction. He said that further talks will be held to finetune the details of the proposal including providing allocations to promote the village concerned as an attraction. Ahmad Zahid said that Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor, who heads the Orang Asli Development Committee, will oversee the implementation of the proposals which were announced. Ramli is the nation's first Orang Asli to be elected as an MP and he was subsequently appointed as Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker. There are slightly more than 200,000 Orang Asli in Peninsula Malaysia, accounting for about 0.8% of the nation's population. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, visited the Whakarewa Living Maori Village in an effort to learn how the indigenous community here manage their cultural and economic affairs. The Deputy Prime Minister is on a five-day working visit, beginning July 14, aimed at boosting bilateral ties and trade with New Zealand.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Action plan, constitutional protection needed to uphold Orang Asli rights, says Suhakam
THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is urgently calling on the government to develop and implement a comprehensive national action plan, alongside explicit constitutional recognition, to safeguard the rights of indigenous peoples. 'These communities have for decades endured systemic neglect, marginalisation and violations of their fundamental rights, particularly concerning land, identity and socioeconomic inclusion,' the commission says in a statement. As a core recommendation, Suhakam reiterates its calls for the establishment of an independent national commission on indigenous peoples, in line with recommendation 18 of the National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This proposed commission must be empowered to advise the government on laws and policies relating to indigenous people. In addition, this commission, as recommended, must propose and monitor sustainable development programmes on indigenous peoples' land, promote participation of indigenous peoples at all levels, and conduct research on issues related to the wellbeing of indigenous peoples. The commission must be composed predominantly of representatives from indigenous communities, selected through transparent consultation and with the endorsement of indigenous people across Malaysia. This will ensure that the commission reflects the voices and aspirations of the communities it is meant to serve and affirms the principle of self-determination. Suhakam adds that although the government accepted 17 of its 18 recommendations from the national inquiry, progress has been slow. 'Suhakam, therefore, calls for the immediate revival of the Special Cabinet Committee on Indigenous Rights, with specific timelines for implementation, progress monitoring, and periodic public reporting,' the rights body states. Simultaneously, Suhakam reiterates the urgent need for a comprehensive and independent review of the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 and the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa), as outlined in recommendation 14 of the national inquiry, transforming Jakoa into a rights-based institution that can provide effective support and protection for the Orang Asli. 'Jakoa as the main federal agency overseeing Orang Asli affairs must evolve into a rights-based institution capable of protecting indigenous rights, not just delivering welfare,' it states. As part of the broader constitutional reform agenda, Suhakam has called for Article 153 of the Federal Constitution to be amended to explicitly recognise the Orang Asli as entitled to the same constitutional safeguards and affirmative action measures as other indigenous groups such as the Malays as well as the Orang Asal of Sabah and Sarawak. 'This recognition is vital in ensuring that the rights, identity, and entitlements of the Orang Asli are no longer subject to administrative ambiguity or exclusion,' the rights body stresses. Article 153 of the Federal Constitution gives the Malays and natives of East Malaysia special rights and privileges in education, public service and business, among others, as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may deem reasonable. Another critical issue Suhakam has highlighted is the lack of alignment between federal and state policies, particularly in the recognition and protection of ancestral and customary land. Policy gaps have left indigenous communities vulnerable to land disputes, displacement, and the loss of livelihoods, it points out. 'There is a critical need to harmonise Federal and State policies, especially regarding the gazettement and legal protection of ancestral and customary lands. The lack of harmonisation of policies has placed indigenous communities in precarious conditions, with frequent reports of displacements, loss of livelihoods, and prolonged disputes.' Both federal and state governments must uphold their responsibilities as custodians of indigenous land and resources, including enforcing land rights through clear, consistent policies aligned with international standards such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Inter-national Labour Organisation Convention 169, Suhakam says. 'The government of Malaysia must act as the guardian of indigenous peoples by aligning national laws with international human rights instruments, which affirm indigenous peoples' rights to free, prior, and informed consent, and to preserve their culture, lands, and institutions.' Article 8(2) of the UN Decla-ration, for one, calls on states to prevent and provide redress for actions aimed at dispossessing indigenous peoples of their lands, territories, or resources. Ultimately, says Suhakam, no meaningful reform can happen without the active involvement of indigenous communities and civil society, stressing the necessity of their participation to ensure that any changes are effective and accepted by those directly affected. 'Any legislation, policy or programme undertaken must include the direct and meaningful participation of indigenous communities and civil society actors. Without their input, any reforms initiated risk being ineffective or rejected by the very communities they are intended to serve,' Suhakam notes.
