They need an inclusive education

Photo: Filepic/The Star

THE International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, observed yesterday, underscores the urgent need to address the pressing education challenges faced by Orang Asli communities in Malaysia.

We, the Seed Community for Orang Asli Education (Seed), would like to draw the public’s attention to the following issues currently faced by Orang Asli communities.

Curriculum: The current education curriculum fails to reflect the lives and experiences of the Orang Asli, leading to a disconnect between what is taught and the students’ realities. This lack of representation marginalises Orang Asli students and hinders their engagement and academic success.

The curriculum, such as the learning content and assessments, must be inclusive of the unique contexts and culture of the Orang Asli, supporting their educational advancement while respecting and sustaining their cultural identity. By integrating Orang Asli experiences, we can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment that values diverse backgrounds.

Orang Asli Act 1954: Several sections of this Act lack clarity, creating significant challenges for the Orang Asli. For instance, the absence of a precise definition of “memudaratkan” (harmful) in Section 15 (1) leaves it open to arbitrary interpretation and misuse. Similarly, Section 14 (1) does not clearly define “kebajikan” (welfare) in a way that aligns with the Orang Asli’s cultural and community values.

There needs to be a deeper understanding of what being Orang Asli means to all Orang Asli communities in today’s Malaysia so that the provisions in the Act are more reflective of their voices and current needs.

The ambiguities and the outdated nature of the Act hinder efforts to ensure that the Orang Asli receive the necessary protections and support. Updating these provisions is essential to safeguarding their rights and improving their quality of life.

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for implementing programmes: There is an urgent need for consistent SOPs across federal and state levels, particularly between the Orang Asli Development Department and the Education Ministry (MOE). The lack of clarity has hindered the effective delivery of programmes intended for the empowerment of the Orang Asli.

Data access issues: Access to comprehensive and accurate data on Orang Asli students is crucial. This includes information on post-SPM pathways, upper secondary options after Form Three, and education attainment results. The discontinuation of formal assessments like the UPSR has further obscured the understanding of Orang Asli students’ academic progress.

We hope the MOE can collaborate more efficiently with external partners to improve academic performance assessments and provide clarity on data to evaluate current and past programmes. The foundation for this collaboration should be built upon clear shared goals, with recognition of the multi stakeholders’ roles and accountability.

Empowering parents: Empowering Orang Asli parents to provide feedback on educational policies and programmes is essential for improving accountability. Establishing platforms where Orang Asli voices can be heard in decision-making processes will enhance the relevance and effectiveness of educational initiatives.

Parents, as knowledge holders, play a critical role in mobilising Orang Asli knowledge. Their participation in the learning content, based on their indigenous knowledge of the forest, sustainability, and nature, is invaluable.

As the World’s Indigenous Peoples Day is observed, it is imperative that the rights of the Orang Asli, particularly in education, are respected and protected. We call for urgent action from all relevant stakeholders to ensure that Orang Asli children receive the quality education they deserve, in alignment with their cultural context and needs.SEED

The Seed Community for Orang Asli Education is a coalition of organisations dedicated to advancing educational equity and improving the lives of Orang Asli communities. Seed is led by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas) and supported by Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD).