Latest news with #AboriginalPeoplesAct1954
Barnama
14 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
13MP: Needs-based Solutions To Achieve Social Justice, Equal Opportunities
KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- The government is determined to shift from race-based solutions to needs-based approaches to achieve social justice and equitable opportunities, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. Tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Rakyat today, he announced a range of initiatives covering the economic, educational and infrastructure sectors to ensure that all communities enjoy the fruits of the nation's development. To enhance the protection of rights and status of the Orang Asli community, he said the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) will be reviewed, particularly in areas concerning land ownership, education and infrastructure, to improve their socio-economic wellbeing. 'A policy review will be conducted to ensure that the Orang Asli community receives fair and equitable benefits,' he said. The prime minister said that educational access for the Orang Asli community will remain a government priority, including the direct provision of school aid to parents and the expansion of community-based schools. As for the Bumiputera community, Anwar said the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) will focus on the '3P' strategy — broad-based participation, meaningful ownership and strategic sector dominance. He said the government will continue to assist Bumiputera companies in preparing for listing on Bursa Malaysia, including through a 'relay race' model aimed at empowering and nurturing entrepreneurs from the startup stage to public listing. 'Government-linked companies (GLCs) will facilitate institutional support for Bumiputera entrepreneurs, to produce 10 Bumiputera champions in the supply chain, each targeted to grow into companies worth over RM500 million,' he said. The Finance Minister added that socio-economic development for Anak Negeri (natives) in Sabah and Bumiputera in Sarawak will also be strengthened. This includes expanding business opportunities through the provision of commercial premises, access to financing and entrepreneurship training and mentoring programmes.
The Sun
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
13MP: Orang Asli rights & education strengthened
PETALING JAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) outlines bold measures to uplift the Orang Asli community, with a renewed focus on land rights, education and infrastructure development. Among the key initiatives is a review of the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 [Act 134], aimed at reinforcing legal protections for land ownership and ensuring that the rights of the Orang Asli are fully safeguarded in line with national development goals. To bridge education gaps, the government will expand community-based schools in Orang Asli areas and provide direct schooling assistance, ensuring that children from these communities receive equitable and consistent access to quality education. These efforts reflect the broader vision of RMK13, which places inclusive development at its core. By focusing on marginalised and underrepresented communities, the plan aims to build a resilient, united Malaysia where no group is left behind.
Malay Mail
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Govt to enhance Orang Asli rights under revised Aboriginal Peoples Act, says DPM Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — The Government has given its assurance to uphold and enhance the rights of the Orang Asli community through amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the proposed amendments will focus on seven key areas: land, education, health, economy, leadership, infrastructure and culture. At present, the Government is undertaking efforts to amend the Act, which has not undergone any substantive revision since it came into force in 1954. 'The review of the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 is currently being carried out to refine and reassess the existing provisions under Act 134 comprehensively, as well as to identify implementation gaps,' he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN–Jelebu), who asked whether the Government intended to amend the current Act 134 to ensure the continued protection and advancement of the Orang Asli community. Ahmad Zahid noted, however, that matters concerning land administration fall under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments as stipulated in the Federal Constitution. In light of this, he said the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) will hold engagement sessions with state governments via the Special Meeting of the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MaPOA) to deliberate on land matters involving the community. 'These engagement sessions through MaPOA are crucial before such land issues are brought to the National Land Council (MTN), which will be chaired by the Prime Minister,' he said. Ahmad Zahid said KKDW is also gathering input through engagements and surveys with Orang Asli leaders and relevant agencies to ensure that amendments to Act 134 are comprehensive and holistic, incorporating the views of key stakeholders. He said the implementation of the Orang Asli Development Policy, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), demonstrates Malaysia's commitment to adopting international best practices to improve the community's well-being. — Bernama
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Orang Asli rights enhanced under revised Aboriginal Peoples Act
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has pledged to strengthen the rights of the Orang Asli community through proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134). Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi outlined seven key areas of focus: land, education, health, economy, leadership, infrastructure, and culture. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Rural and Regional Development Minister, stated that the review aims to refine existing provisions and address implementation gaps. 'The revision of the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 is underway to ensure comprehensive reassessment and improvement,' he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. The amendments follow concerns raised by Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN–Jelebu) regarding the need for updated legislation to safeguard Orang Asli rights. However, Ahmad Zahid clarified that land administration remains under state jurisdiction, requiring coordination with state governments. The Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) will engage state authorities through the Special Meeting of the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MaPOA) before presenting land-related matters to the National Land Council (MTN). 'These discussions are essential before any decisions are made at the national level,' he added. KKDW is also consulting Orang Asli leaders and agencies to ensure amendments are inclusive. Ahmad Zahid highlighted Malaysia's collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement the Orang Asli Development Policy, aligning with global best practices. - Bernama
New Straits Times
18 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Govt to amend Aboriginal Peoples Act to strengthen Orang Asli rights
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will amend the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 to broaden the scope of Orang Asli rights protected under the law. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the purpose of the act was originally to deter the Orang Asli community from engaging in communist activities. "There is a dire need to amend the law. We must remember that this Act, in 1954, was intended to prevent the Orang Asli from becoming involved in communist activities. "Its purpose today is entirely different. We need to focus on education, welfare, housing, infrastructure, and the future of the Orang Asli," he said during Minister's Question Time, in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN–Jelebu). He said a study of the Act was currently underway to refine and review the existing provisions and identify gaps in its implementation. Following stakeholder engagements, preliminary issues identified for amendment include land-related matters, such as customary land rights, Orang Asli welfare, the management of customary marriages, and governance involving traditional leadership within Orang Asli communities. "Land administration falls under the jurisdiction of the respective state governments, as stipulated in the Federal Constitution. "Therefore, the Ministry will hold an engagement session with state governments through a Special Meeting of the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MaPOA) to discuss land matters involving the Orang Asli community. "This engagement is a crucial step before the matter is brought to the National Land Council, which will be chaired by the Prime Minister," said Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development. The government is also in the process of developing a comprehensive and inclusive policy, known as the Orang Asli Development Policy, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The policy will align with national priorities, including the Rural Development Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which Malaysia ratified in 2007. "The formulation of this policy reflects the government's commitment to laying a foundation for empowering the Orang Asli community, enabling them to be on par with other indigenous groups globally. "The DPOA will focus on seven strategic areas: land, education, health, economy, leadership, infrastructure, and culture. Its implementation will be guided by the principle of no forced assimilation," he said. Zahid added that Putrajaya was also considering the feasibility of establishing an Orang Asli Advisory Council, modelled after the New Zealand Māori Council, which has played a significant role in promoting the social, economic, educational and cultural advancement of the Māori community. Through the establishment of this council, the government aims to amplify the voices and aspirations of the Orang Asli in shaping their development, within a legal framework that upholds the principle of self-determination — a key element of the UNDRIP.
