Does Perak recognise Orang Asli ancestral land?

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Perak Does Not Recognise Orang Asli Ancestral Land Under State Constitution

The Perak state government does not recognise the concept of ancestral land for the Orang Asli community under the state constitution. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu clarified that no specific land is gazetted for any particular race within the state, and that existing laws and the state constitution are being followed. He further expressed concerns that meeting such demands for any race could lead to future conflicts and improper land development.
No Constitutional Basis for Ancestral Land Claims

The Mentri Besar explicitly stated that, based on his understanding as Mentri Besar and a Perakian, there is no provision for ancestral land for the Orang Asli within the state's constitutional framework. He emphasised that the government operates under established laws and the state constitution, which do not designate specific lands for any racial group.
Concerns Over Potential Future Conflicts

Ahmad Faizal voiced apprehension regarding the broader implications of recognising ancestral land claims for various racial groups. He posited that if the Orang Asli's demand for ancestral land were met, it could set a precedent for other races to make similar demands, potentially leading to the division of land among all communities. This, he warned, could result in future developments that are not aligned with government planning and could create significant issues.
Positive State Government Relations with Orang Asli

Despite the differing views on ancestral land, the Mentri Besar affirmed that the state government maintains a good relationship with the Orang Asli community. He acknowledged that misunderstandings can occur in specific contexts, citing an instance in Hulu Perak where a small group of Orang Asli blocked logging companies. He stressed that issues within the Orang Asli community are diverse and vary by location, urging advocacy groups not to generalise these issues as representative of the entire population.
Call for Direct Engagement with Government

Ahmad Faizal urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to engage directly with the government to present their suggestions and concerns, rather than discussing them on social media platforms. He stated the government's willingness to listen and consider proposals but cautioned against public statements that could be perceived as accusing the government or royal families of neglecting specific racial groups, deeming such discourse unhealthy and potentially dangerous.

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Does Perak recognise Orang Asli ancestral land?

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