Kuala lumpur: The government has been urged to appoint representatives from the Orang Asli community to the National Unity Advisory Council and the National Education Council to ensure their voices are taken into account in policy formulation. Senator Manolan Mohamad emphasized the necessity of Orang Asli representation in these councils or any top-level education advisory body to make decisions inclusive and responsive to on-the-ground realities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Manolan highlighted that the Orang Asli voice must be included at the policy-making table. He pointed out that past education policy decisions often overlooked realities in Orang Asli villages, such as limited internet access, long distances to schools, student dropouts, and challenges related to mother-tongue languages. Manolan, who represents the Orang Asli community in the Senate, also expressed concerns over the history curriculum at primary and secondary school levels, which he said inadequately covers the contributions of the Orang Asli in nation-building, particularly during the Emergency period and the post-colonial era.
He proposed that the Education Ministry establish a special committee involving academics and Orang Asli community leaders to review school history textbooks and develop digital enrichment materials and documentaries. This, according to him, is crucial for enabling the younger generation to understand that the Orang Asli are an integral part of the country's mainstream history.
Meanwhile, Senator Pele Peter Tinggom suggested incorporating the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, as a core component of the secondary school syllabus. This proposal aligns with the royal address of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia Baginda, calling for the original intent of MA63 to be continuously strengthened.
Manolan stated that the MADANI Government could consider this move through the national education system to ensure the younger generation understands the foundations of Malaysia's formation and the spirit embodied in the agreement.
Separately, Senator Azahar Hassan recommended that the government and community reassess the effectiveness of existing social support systems due to the increasing number of tragic cases linked to financial and emotional stress. He noted that financial pressure faced by the rakyat is a significant issue, with high household debt levels indicating a serious strain on the social structure.
Azahar proposed the establishment of Financial Crisis Support Centres in every district to assist individuals burdened by serious debt and called for stronger mental health services through an increase in psychiatrists and clinical counsellors at government hospitals. He emphasized the urgency of providing timely mental health treatment to prevent tragic outcomes.
The Dewan Negara is set to reconvene tomorrow.