Latest news with #OrangAsliConsultativeCouncil
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Orang Asli land rights and Act 134 amendments discussed at MaPOA meeting
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that land and settlement concerns affecting the Orang Asli community were central topics at the Special Meeting of the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MaPOA). Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Minister of Rural and Regional Development, emphasised that the meeting was pivotal in preparing amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), which has remained largely unchanged for seven decades. He noted that improving education access, essential infrastructure, and economic prospects for the Orang Asli remains a priority for the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa). 'The amendment of Act 134 is a chance for us to rewrite the development narrative for the Orang Asli community to ensure they remain resilient, competitive, and capable of achieving greater success in the future,' he said in a statement. The meeting, held at Parliament House, was attended by the Deputy Minister of KKDW and key stakeholders. Ahmad Zahid reiterated the government's commitment to legal reforms that enhance Orang Asli rights and improve their socioeconomic conditions. He added that the discussions also set the stage for upcoming talks on Orang Asli land issues at the National Land Council (MTN), chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'I believe land rights are not merely about physical ownership. They represent dignity, the continuity of heritage, and a key to the socioeconomic advancement of this community,' he said. He stressed the need for federal-state collaboration, as land matters fall under state jurisdiction, to ensure amendments align with policies and state authority. To date, over 1,000 engagement sessions have been held with Tok Batin, state governments, academics, and NGOs to gather input on the proposed changes. - Bernama
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Orang Asli land, settlement issues among key in act amendment talks
KUALA LUMPUR: The land and settlements of the Orang Asli were among the key issues discussed today during a Special Meeting of the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MaPOA), marking an important step towards the much-needed amendment of the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who chaired the meeting, said the government was committed to ensuring that the amendments not only strengthen the protection of Orang Asli rights but also bring meaningful improvements to their daily lives. He added that to date, more than 1,000 engagement sessions had been held involving various stakeholders, including community leaders (Tok Batin), state and federal governments, academicians, and non-governmental organisations. "This meeting is a crucial step in laying a solid foundation for amending legislation that has not undergone substantive changes for over 70 years," he said in a statement after the meeting in Parliament. "The engagement sessions held today are vital before Orang Asli land issues are taken up at the National Land Council (MTN), chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "I believe that land rights are not merely about physical ownership but represent dignity, cultural heritage, and the key to the socio-economic advancement of this community." Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said that although land administration fell under state jurisdiction, close cooperation between federal and state governments remained essential to ensure that any amendments considered all parties' interests and comply with state policies. He also highlighted that access to quality education, improved infrastructure, and wider economic opportunities were ongoing priorities for the ministry and the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa). "The act's amendment presents an opportunity to rewrite the development narrative of the Orang Asli, ensuring they remain resilient, competitive, and poised for greater success in the future." Previously, Zahid said that the government would amend the act to broaden the scope of Orang Asli rights protected under the law. He said that the original purpose of the act was to deter the Orang Asli community from engaging in communist activities. Additionally, the government is developing a comprehensive and inclusive 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 Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Special council meeting a key step towards amending Aboriginal Peoples Act, says Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is one step closer to its historic goal of amending the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) to better secure the rights and future of the Orang Asli community, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Rural and Regional Development Minister and Deputy Prime Minister had just chaired a special meeting of the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MaPOA) in Parliament on Monday (Aug 11). ALSO READ: Amendments to Aboriginal Peoples Act nearing completion, says Zahid 'This meeting is an important step in laying a strong foundation for the amendment of Act 134 and improving a law that has not undergone any substantive amendments for more than 70 years. 'This is an opportunity for us to rewrite the narrative of Orang Asli development so that this community remains resilient and competitive for the foreseeable future,' he said in a press release after the meeting. It saw various leaders from the federal and state governments, academics and organisations concerned with Orang Asli affairs. Land rights and settlement issues, which Ahmad Zahid said represented a key symbol of dignity for the Orang Asli culture, were among the key topics discussed. ALSO READ: Four key areas focus of amendments to Aboriginal Peoples Act, says DPM Zahid 'I believe that land rights are not merely about physical ownership, but a symbol of dignity, the continuity of heritage, and the key to the socioeconomic advancement of this community. 'We are committed to ensuring that these amendments not only strengthen the protection of Orang Asli rights but also bring about significant changes in the lives of the community,' he said. Ahmad Zahid also stressed that close cooperation between the federal and state governments would be crucial in ensuring that any proposed amendments take into account the interests of all parties and state policies. He added that over 1,000 engagement sessions have been conducted involving tok batin (village chiefs), state governments, the Federal Government, academics and NGOs.
New Straits Times
31-07-2025
- 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.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Review of Act 134 among matters discussed at MAPOA 2025 meeting
PUTRAJAYA: The status of the review study on the amendment of Act 134 was among the matters discussed during the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MAPOA) 2025 meeting held yesterday, according to the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA). In a statement today, the department said the meeting also addressed issues such as Orang Asli settlement land, the community's educational progress, and the recognition of traditional medical practices. The MAPOA 2025 meeting, held yesterday in Bangi, was chaired by Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang. The event brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from the federal and state governments, Orang Asli tribes, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academia, professionals, women, youth and Orang Asli community leaders. MAPOA serves as a platform for Orang Asli representatives and stakeholders at the federal and state levels to present views on development issues involving the community in Peninsular Malaysia. It also provides a space for Orang Asli representatives and stakeholders, including agencies at the federal and state levels, to contribute views and feedback on policies and strategies aimed at developing the Orang Asli community.
