Comment: Marginalised in Malaysia Baharu

It’s our land: Ulu Geruntum Orang Asli protesting a hydroelectric project last year in Perak that would affect their ancestral lands. — Filepic

AS we approach Human Rights Day on Dec 10, there is little to celebrate for the indigenous peoples of Malaysia, as recognition and respect for their rights are still severely lacking.

Allegations of encroachment on native customary lands, “forced” religious conversions, unwanted birth control, and deaths caused by preventable diseases are not the headlines we expect to see in Malaysia Baharu. But in the past year alone, these have been some of the disturbing reports relating to the Orang Asli that have appeared in the media.