THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is pushing Putrajaya to set up an independent commission for Orang Asli without further delays as their rights are being trampled without any care.

The setting up of the commission is one of 18 recommendations Suhakam submitted to Putrajaya in February after an exhaustive study into the issues affecting the natives.

Suhakam chairman Othman Hashim told The Malaysian Insight the commission has spent a lot of time dealing with many issues faced by the Orang Asli over the years, but it still receives complaints on customary land rights and their general wellbeing.

“The commission will be able to propose and monitor sustainable development programmes on their land, promote participation at all levels and conduct research on issues related to their wellbeing. 

“The commission members should comprise mainly OA representatives who are accepted by their own tribe,” he said. 

Among the functions of the commission is to advise the government on laws and policies related to the Orang Asli, he said, adding that it is crucial that Putrajaya look into this immediately.

Suhakam is currently engaging with the relevant ministries and state governments on the proposed commission but things are not moving quickly as it should.

Meanwhile, the Orang Asli continue to highlight their problems, which apart from customary land rights, also touch on religion and their wellbeing.

A recent incident highlighted by The Malaysian Insight involved the Temiar tribe in Gerik, Perak, who claimed that “Islam” was added to their identity cards without their consent.

The villagers said they never converted nor recited the shahada or Muslim creed, yet they were issued identity cards which stated they were Muslims.

They have appealed to the government to remove the religious status from their MyKad and the Attorney-General’s Chambers is looking into the issue.

The women folk of the tribe also complained they were forced to take birth control pills and injections by the government.

They said they suffered from fatigue, uncontrolled appetite and leg cramps after taking the contraceptives.

Othman said it has also informed Putrajaya on the threats the Orang Asli frequently faced on land rights issue.

“We have conducted awareness programmes and still we receive a lot of complaints on this alleged infringement of rights. 

“The relevant ministries should go and investigate and establish the facts. They are facing many issues and there are not enough laws and policies to protect them.

“The government has to look into their issues seriously.”

The struggle to get recognition of native customary land rights has always been as a major challenge for the Orang Asli, he said.

“Putrajaya should prevent future loss of customary land, remedy for land loss and address land development issues.

“They must recognise the Orang Asli customary rights to land and address the issues.”

Land matters fall under authority of state governments but existing state policies don’t give due recognition to the land rights of the Orang Asli, he said.

“Nevertheless, there have been several court rulings in favour of the Orang Asli and these had kept their hopes up.

“The new government should use the court cases (on land rights) to formulate new laws to protect the rights of the Orang Asli.” – August 29, 2019.