Wellington: After more than seven decades without review, the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134) in Malaysia is undergoing amendments, drawing inspiration from the Maori empowerment model in New Zealand, announced Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, key elements from New Zealand’s approach that may be adapted in Malaysia include land ownership rights, inclusive access to education, and the establishment of dedicated financing agencies to support indigenous entrepreneurship. Ahmad Zahid highlighted the importance of re-examining the Act, stating, “This Act 134 is 71 years old, and many aspects need to be re-examined.”
However, he stressed that the Maori model could not be adopted wholesale and must be adapted to fit the local context for the Orang Asli community in Malaysia. As the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Ahmad Zahid is on a five-day working visit to New Zealand, aiming to explore these possibilities further.
The amendments to Act 134 are currently at the preliminary draft stage, with stakeholder engagement ongoing. This involves a range of parties, including Orang Asli academics and professionals. The Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), part of Ahmad Zahid’s ministry, is tasked with restructuring the community development ecosystem to extend beyond basic needs like infrastructure and education.
Ahmad Zahid clarified that the amendment aims to strengthen protection for the Orang Asli community without denying their rights. The proposal will go through Cabinet-level discussions before being tabled in Parliament, debated, voted on, and presented to the King for consent and gazetting.
The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized the significance of collaborating with state governments, as land ownership issues fall under their jurisdiction. “Engagement sessions with state leaders and representatives from 377 Orang Asli villages are ongoing. We want a comprehensive and inclusive approach,” he explained.
With over 225,000 Orang Asli recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, the government has continuously prioritized the community’s interests despite their minority status. Ahmad Zahid expects the draft amendments to Act 134 to be tabled during the March session of Parliament next year.
During his visit, Ahmad Zahid met with New Zealand’s Minister for Maori Development, Tama Potaka, to discuss bilateral cooperation in indigenous community development. He also held a meeting with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regulation, David Seymour, and participated in a session with Ibrar Sheikh, president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, at Rumah Malaysia.