Will PH honour Orang Asli land rights as promised?

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Pakatan Harapan's Commitment to Orang Asli Land Rights Faces Scrutiny

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) government's commitment to upholding the land rights of the Orang Asli community, as pledged in its election manifesto, is being questioned following the recent dismantling of Orang Asli blockades in Gua Musang. Lawyers for Liberty has expressed concern that federal enforcement agencies are acting in support of logging and plantation interests over the rights of the indigenous people, potentially undermining the promise of a "New Malaysia" that prioritises good governance and the protection of vulnerable communities.
Promise of Advancement and Recognition

PH's manifesto included a specific pledge, "Promise 38," aimed at advancing the interests of the Orang Asli community. This promise encompassed the implementation of recommendations from the 2013 National Inquiry Report on Indigenous Land Rights. Key proposals from this report include the formal recognition of indigenous customary land rights, measures to address historical land loss, and solutions for ongoing land development conflicts. The failure to protect Orang Asli land in Gua Musang is seen by some as a deviation from these stated objectives.
Ongoing Conflict in Gua Musang

The Orang Asli in Gua Musang have been in a protracted dispute with the Kelantan state government since 2016. The core of the conflict revolves around the encroachment by loggers and farmers, particularly those establishing durian plantations, onto land that the Orang Asli claim as their native customary territory. Critics argue that the Kelantan government has prioritised granting access to permanent forest reserves for these commercial activities, leading to significant deforestation and environmental damage, while disregarding the rights and claims of the Orang Asli.
Government Engagements and Enforcement Actions

Efforts have been made by the federal government to address the dispute. Deputy Rural Development Minister R. Sivarasa reportedly met with the Orang Asli community in Gua Musang on August 2, committing to find a resolution. Subsequently, a delegation from the Orang Asli community met with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on August 10, who then pledged to discuss the matter with the Kelantan state government. However, the subsequent dismantling of the blockades by federal and state enforcement agencies has raised questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of these engagements in protecting Orang Asli rights.
Constitutional and Judicial Recognition

Lawyers for Liberty have reiterated that the special position of the Orang Asli and their customary land rights are constitutionally recognised in Malaysia. Furthermore, these rights have been affirmed by the nation's highest court, underscoring the legal basis for their claims. The group's statement suggests that the actions taken in Gua Musang appear to contravene these established legal protections, potentially indicating a failure by federal enforcement agencies to uphold the constitution and judicial precedents in their collaboration with the Kelantan government.

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Will PH honour Orang Asli land rights as promised?

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