Batins: The weak link

The point of contact on administrative matters between the government and the Orang Asli in the peninsula is the Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli and they deal with the Tok Batin, the headman of each village. And the Tok Batin appears to be the weak link when it comes to fighting for the rights of the Orang Asli.

Why so? These headman are given an allowance by the government, they are tied by a set of guidelines in their appointment and there is suspicion that they are also bound by an 'Aku Ganji' or 'I Promise' declaration. All this put doubts on their loyalties -- to the government or their people?

The task force assigned to study Suhakam's recommendations submitted in August 2013 comprise of only 30% from the Orang Asal community. Many do not understand the documents for discussions laid before them especially those shrouded in legalese.

With the recent rejection by the Malaysian government of six, what could be considered as far-reaching recommendations, by member states of UNDRIP has brought disappointment to the Orang Asal community.

The task force set up by the government to study the recommendations of human rights body Suhakam to look into their plight, is not likely to give them much reprieve. They feel though that the findings of the National Inquiry by Suhakam should be accepted and implemented.