PUTRAJAYA: The proposal for Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) to allocate an intake quota for Orang Asli students will be considered, says Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman said that since the matter was raised during the 2024 Bumiputera Economic Congress (BEC 2024), the matter was expected to become one of its resolutions.
"We will discuss it. Because the matter is raised in the congress, it will become a resolution.
"Surely, as an implementing agency, we will try and execute whatever that is aspired by the grassroots," he told reporters at the sidelines of the congress, on Friday (March 1).
Earlier, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker and Cameron Highlands MP Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor proposed a five per cent quota allocated specifically for Orang Asli students, as well as providing more opportunities in science schools and Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
"At the same time, the Orang Asli people must take the opportunity," he said.
Ramli, who is the first Orang Asli MP, said the group needed to change their mindset and become more progressive to secure a better future for themselves.
According to Ramli, an estimated 37.7% of the Orang Asli have been identified as hardcore poor, although the exact numbers could hit almost 80%.
Ramli added that education was key to getting out of poverty, urging the community to ensure that the children attended school.
He also urged the government to introduce amendments to the Federal Constitution, particularly matters related to the Orang Asli, under Schedule Nine.
