Latest news with #OrangAsliDevelopmentPolicy
The Star
01-08-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Act to be reviewed to safeguard Orang Asli rights
Four key areas will be among the focus for amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic). The Deputy Prime Minister said comprehensive studies are also being carried out to review existing aspects in the Act. Citing early findings from the studies and engagements with Orang Asli leaders, Ahmad Zahid, who is Rural and Regional Development Minister, said several Orang Asli matters have been identified as requiring amendments. This includes customary land matters, welfare, the management of customary marriages and also governance of traditional leadership in the Orang Asli community. 'I want to assure all that the rights of the Orang Asli community will be defended and improved. Engagements will continue until the amendments are tabled,' he said during Minister Question Time. He also said a special meeting with the Orang Asli Development Council (MaPOA), will be held concurrently with the National Land Council and chaired by the Prime Minister.' Ahmad Zahid said that the Act has not undergone any substantive revision since it came into force in 1954. 'The Act was established to prevent the Orang Asli's involvement in communist activities. The situation now is different as we must focus on education, welfare, infrastructure and the community's future.' The Deputy Prime Minister also said the government is developing a comprehensive and inclusive Orang Asli Development Policy. The policy is aligned with the Rural Development Policy alongside Malaysia's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals. He added that the policy will focus on seven strategies, which are land matters, education, healthcare, economy, leadership, infrastructure and culture. He was responding to Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu) who asked if the government intends to amend the Aboriginal Peoples Act to ensure the community's rights are upheld.
The Sun
31-07-2025
- 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
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.
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
RM8.5mil allocation to help Orang Asli students pursue higher education
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM8.5 million has been allocated to support Orang Asli students pursuing their studies at local institutions of higher learning this year. Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said the allocation is expected to benefit around 500 Orang Asli students, in line with the government's efforts to enhance human capital development within the community. "This initiative is part of the Orang Asli Development Policy, which is currently being strengthened. "We want to see more Orang Asli youth succeed in professional fields such as teaching, engineering, medicine, the civil service, academia, and emerge as credible community leaders," she told reporters after launching the Anugerah Mahasiswa Inspirasi (AMI) ceremony here today. Rubiah said the success of Orang Asli students in pursuing higher education should be widely shared, especially by agencies under the ministry, so that it may serve as inspiration to the younger generation of the community. At the same time, she also reminded Orang Asli students to acquire skills, particularly in digital, innovation and leadership fields, as they are set to become agents of change in the development of their communities. Meanwhile, Rubiah said the proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 are still at the engagement stage. "I was informed that the preliminary report will be presented at the upcoming meeting of the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MaPOA), which will cover several proposed amendments not only in terms of the definition of Orang Asli, but also land development, welfare, and other aspects that were previously somewhat lacking in the existing Act," she said. Rubiah further explained that these improvements will help strengthen legal protection for the Orang Asli community to ensure their rights and well-being are better safeguarded. "This is to ensure that the welfare and well-being of the Orang Asli can be enhanced through clearer legislation, benefiting not only the Department of Orang Asli Development but also the overall governance system of the Orang Asli community," she said.
Barnama
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
RM8.5 Mln Allocated To Support Orang Asli Students In Pursuing Higher Education
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang speaking at the Anugerah Mahasiswa Inspirasi (AMI) ceremony here today - Credit: Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 (Bernama) -- A total of RM8.5 million has been allocated to support Orang Asli students pursuing their studies at local institutions of higher learning this year. Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang said the allocation is expected to benefit around 500 Orang Asli students, in line with the government's efforts to enhance human capital development within the community. 'This initiative is part of the Orang Asli Development Policy, which is currently being strengthened. We want to see more Orang Asli youth succeed in professional fields such as teaching, engineering, medicine, the civil service, academia, and emerge as credible community leaders,' she told reporters after launching the Anugerah Mahasiswa Inspirasi (AMI) ceremony here today. Rubiah said the success of Orang Asli students in pursuing higher education should be widely shared, especially by agencies under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), so that it may serve as inspiration to the younger generation of the community. At the same time, she also reminded Orang Asli students to acquire skills, particularly in digital, innovation and leadership fields, as they are set to become agents of change in the development of their communities. Meanwhile, Rubiah said the proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) are still at the engagement stage. 'I was informed that the preliminary report will be presented at the upcoming meeting of the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MaPOA), which will cover several proposed amendments not only in terms of the definition of Orang Asli, but also land development, welfare, and other aspects that were previously somewhat lacking in the existing Act,' she said. Rubiah further explained that these improvements will help strengthen legal protection for the Orang Asli community to ensure their rights and well-being are better safeguarded. 'This is to ensure that the welfare and well-being of the Orang Asli can be enhanced through clearer legislation, benefiting not only the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) but also the overall governance system of the Orang Asli community,' she said.
