Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today highlighted that land and settlement issues involving the Orang Asli community were central topics at the Special Meeting of the Orang Asli Consultative Council (MaPOA).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Minister of Rural and Regional Development, emphasized that the meeting was a significant step towards foundational amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), which has remained largely unchanged for over 70 years. He stressed the importance of ensuring access to quality education, basic infrastructure, and expanded economic opportunities as ongoing objectives for the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa).
Ahmad Zahid noted that amending Act 134 represents a pivotal opportunity to reshape the development narrative for the Orang Asli community, enhancing their resilience, competitiveness, and capacity for future success. He chaired the Special Meeting of MaPOA at Parliament House, with attendance from the Deputy Minister KKDW and other relevant stakeholders.
The deputy prime minister reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that the proposed amendments not only bolster the legal protection of Orang Asli rights but also effectuate meaningful changes in their lives. The meeting was also a preparatory engagement ahead of discussions on Orang Asli land issues at the National Land Council (MTN), which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will chair.
Ahmad Zahid expressed that land rights extend beyond mere physical ownership, symbolizing dignity, heritage continuity, and a path to socioeconomic advancement for the community. He underscored the necessity of federal and state government collaboration to ensure that any amendments align with existing policies and respect state authority, given that land administration falls under state jurisdiction.
He also mentioned that over 1,000 engagement sessions have been conducted, involving critical stakeholders such as Tok Batin (Orang Asli village heads), state governments, academics, and non-governmental organizations.