Ministry tables paper on Aboriginal Peoples Act amendments covering administration, education and land affairs at National Land Council meeting
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development presented proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 at the 82nd National Land Council meeting today.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the amendments cover administration, education and land affairs aspects.
“The amendments aim to ensure more orderly and inclusive land governance,” said the Rural and Regional Development Minister.
He stated the changes align with the MADANI Government’s aspiration to protect Orang Asli community interests.
Ahmad Zahid emphasized this would not undermine state governments’ role and authority.
“Insya-Allah, with the cooperation of all parties, we will continue to strengthen policies that are fair, transparent and focused on the welfare of the people,” he added in a Facebook post.
He described the National Land Council as an important platform for federal-state policy coordination on land matters nationwide.
In July, Ahmad Zahid had announced the drafting of amendments involving Orang Asli land ownership issues was in its final stages.
The Aboriginal Peoples Act was last amended in 1967 and revised in 1974. – Bernama
