What does the Aboriginal Peoples Act say about religious instruction?

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The Aboriginal Peoples Act mandates written parental consent for religious instruction of Orang Asli children.

The Aboriginal Peoples Act stipulates that no Orang Asli child can receive religious instruction, regardless of the faith, without obtaining the explicit written consent of their parent. This provision is intended to safeguard the religious freedom of Orang Asli children and respect parental authority. Despite this legal framework, there are instances where this directive is reportedly not being followed.
Parental Consent Requirement for Religious Instruction

Legislation clearly states that religious instruction for any Orang Asli child, irrespective of whether it pertains to Islam, Christianity, or any other religion, requires prior written approval from the child's parent. This measure is in place to ensure that decisions regarding a child's religious upbringing are made with the full knowledge and agreement of their guardians.
Instances of Non-Compliance

Reports suggest that this legal requirement is not consistently adhered to in practice. There are allegations that some educators act with their own agenda, referred to as "little Napoleons," who proceed with religious instruction without the necessary parental consent. An example cited involved an Orang Asli parent discovering an Islamic studies certificate for her daughter, issued by the Federal Territories Islamic Department (Jawi), despite the parent not having agreed to her daughter undertaking such a course.
Broader Context of Assimilation and Integration Efforts

The discussion around religious instruction for Orang Asli children occurs within a broader context of past and present government policies aimed at integrating indigenous communities into the mainstream. A 1960 policy, later revised, initially promoted the "assimilation" of Orang Asli into the Malay race, a term subsequently replaced with "integration into the mainstream of society." Experts suggest that the underlying intent of these policies, particularly through educational means, has remained largely the same, aiming to align Orang Asli communities with societal norms.
Concerns Regarding Educational Focus

Beyond religious instruction, concerns have also been raised about the curriculum in some educational settings for Orang Asli children. In certain schools, there have been observations of Arabic being taught instead of the children's mother tongue, such as the Semai language. While acknowledging the importance of Malay as the national language, the emphasis on Arabic is linked to the school's demographic, assuming that Muslim students require Arabic education. This raises questions about the preservation of Orang Asli languages and identities within the formal education system.

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What does the Aboriginal Peoples Act say about religious instruction?

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