Orang Asli leaders urge meaningful consultation, transparency and reform in 2026 to protect indigenous rights, land, women’s voices and community futures.
PETALING JAYA: With 2026 under way, Orang Asli leaders say symbolic consultation must end, calling on the government to deliver real transparency, inclusion and reforms that protect indigenous rights.
Reflecting on 2025, Pusat Komas (Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat) programme and operations manager Faribel Maglin Fernandez highlighted the gap between government promises and the realities faced by Orang Asli communities, especially women and children.
“As with many government policies, the biggest disparity lies in the lack of transparent engagement with communities on reform agendas.”
She cited recent amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954, noting that while communities were consulted, many did not fully understand the changes or their implications.
The draft bill was not publicly available in advance, raising fears that piecemeal or harmful amendments could pass without proper community awareness.
Fernandez acknowledged the Madani government’s civil society engagement but stress that consultations must be meaningful.
“The government must ensure that the rakyat, especially the Orang Asli, have agency over decisions that affect their lives.”
She urged policymakers to apply free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) at all stages of reform, not just implementation and called for changes within agencies such as the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) and the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) where middle management often blocks meaningful progress.
Echoing these concerns, Kelantan Orang Asli Village Network representative Nur Mohd Syafiq Dendi Abdullah outlined his hopes for 2026.
“Our hope is for a Malaysia that is just, inclusive and respectful of the rights of all people – including the Orang Asli.
For too long, we have been denied basic rights such as recognition of our customary lands, quality education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic opportunities, social welfare and clean water.”
He added that Orang Asli communities remain marginalised, with little say in decisions affecting their lives.
“Our hope is no longer for empty promises on paper, but for real implementation that guarantees dignity, survival and a future for our children.
“2026 must be a year of change – a year of awakening, justice and recognition. A new ray of light for us all.”
Despite a recent memorandum submitted to the Malaysian Bar by Orang Asli groups and NGOs, community leaders remain dissatisfied.
Nur Mohd Syafiq said consultations lacked genuine engagement, communities were not informed openly, no draft bill was shared and grassroots leaders were excluded from direct participation.
The memorandum stressed that the amendments affect the rights, land, culture, livelihoods and future of Orang Asli communities, yet meaningful consultation – essential under the Gunning Principles – was not conducted.
Centre for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC) coordinator Colin Nicholas noted that Jakoa’s leadership structure restricted top roles such as the Tok Batin to men, sidelining women.
He attributed this to the influence of the “3 Ms” – Malay, Muslim and Male – and cultural norms that institutionalised male-dominated governance. This created long-term disparities in inheritance, asset ownership, political participation and wages.
Yet progress is visible. Orang Asli women are staying in school longer and pursuing careers as lawyers, doctors and community leaders.
The Penan Women Project (PWP), co-founded by Ann Wong, supports Penan women facing challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Despite obstacles, women remain central as caretakers, artisans and village leaders.
PWP also helps younger generations balance formal education with traditional skills, preserving culture while creating economic and leadership opportunities.
“By amplifying indigenous women’s voices, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable future,” said Wong.
