The Mah Meri tribe performing their traditional dance during the convention at the faculty of social sciences and humanities, UKM. — Photos: SS KANESAN/The Star
THE “Indigenous Communities in Malaysia: Reframing the National Sustainability Initiative” convention was held to look at education, health, livelihood and statelessness issues that impact indigenous groups.
Jointly organised by Rythm Foundation and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the convention was held at Dewan Perdana within UKM’s faculty of social science and humanities, and included exhibitions, forum sessions and roundtable discussions.
It concluded with over 30 resolutions outlining essential measures to address challenges faced by marginalised communities in the country.
Rythm Foundation head Santhi Periasamy spoke of the unfair treatment and exclusion indigenous communities had historically endured, emphasising the need for immediate action to overcome their plight.
“For far too long, indigenous communities in our nation, like in many parts of the globe, have borne the burden of historical injustices, cultural marginalisation and social inequalities.
Mah Meri tribe craftsman Samri Abdul Rahman (right) explaining to (from left) Vijay and Umayal about the community’s cultural craftwork.
“This convention acknowledges the urgent need to address these challenges and work towards a better future for all.
“The resolutions are prepared to clearly outline the needs of our indigenous population in key areas,” said Santhi.
A significant focus was on creating an education curriculum that directly relates to the daily lives of indigenous communities, incorporating essential topics such as health, nutrition and hygiene.
On health, the resolution centred on developing culturally sensitive healthcare programmes that empower marginalised groups to take control of their community’s medical needs.
In terms of livelihood and statelessness, the resolutions emphasised sustainable economic initiatives to improve the well-being of indigenous communities.
Ronnie Bahari from the Semai tribe playing the ‘pensol’ (nose flute), a traditional musical instrument.
They also proposed utilising reports by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as valuable references for addressing human rights and statelessness issues.
Santhi said while the implementation of all resolutions might not happen quickly, it was essential to recognise them as a primary step for policymakers to consider and adopt.
“This convention is important as it gives a platform for these resolutions to be taken seriously by responsible individuals,” she said.
A showcase of crafts from the country’s indigenous people at the event.
“Further examination and the creation of a comprehensive paper are necessary to formally present the findings to policymakers to encourage them to address the well-being of indigenous communities,” she added.
Rythm Foundation chairman Datin Seri Umayal Eswaran said society must acknowledge the numerous challenges faced by indigenous communities in the country.
“Recognising and addressing the challenges faced by indigenous communities is of utmost importance.
“Society must wholeheartedly embrace meaningful change to ensure their progress and preserve the rich cultural fabric of these communities,” she said.
A performance by Kumpulan Koir Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Ilmu Khas, Kuala Lumpur.
Also present at the event was Qi Group founder and executive chairman Datuk Seri Vijay Eswaran, who highlighted the importance of indigenous communities as an essential part of Malaysia’s collective heritage.
“The indigenous people represent our roots and we should feel connected to them and take pride in their presence.
“To truly grasp the concept of a civilised Malaysia, we must acknowledge the indigenous people and embrace them as our own people, for it is in protecting and supporting our most vulnerable members that our society is defined as one,” he said during his closing speech.
