I refer to the Malaysiakini report Historic Orang Asli show of force .

In the ‘1Malaysia’ we so proudly cherish, the Orang Asli communities are an integral part. In fact, they are the first people among all Malaysian people groups. However, in today’s national dynamics, they are one of the most vulnerable and powerless communities in Malaysia.

Often we see Malaysian people as Malays, Chinese and Indians but however, we tend to forget the more disadvantaged and marginalised sections of our land. This is why the taking to the streets by the Organ Asli community can be also seen as the empowerment of the forest-based community to face the power structures at Putrajaya.

It must have been intimidating for these people but they made it and made their stand in front of concrete walls. This is why the Orang Asli struggle for their identity, culture and socio-economic advancement are most critical to them. Most of all, they struggle for their land which is their identity and heritage, which are being taken away from them.

This is not just the case in Peninsular Malaysia but also the experience of the natives in Sabah and Sarawak. In many of my visits and meetings with Organ Asli leaders, in the context of my work as a human rights commissioner, these people feel that they are powerless in the presence of the huge machinery of the state - the political power of national and community leaders on the one hand and the economic power of private businesses on the other.

The Orang Asli communities of Malaysia feel that their interest is being compromised. There is fear in their hearts, there is anger, they really feel they to not have a voice or choice to determine their own destiny. They took to the streets because they feel that the majority of Malaysian society have not taken they concerns seriously. They also feel that their own representatives have betrayed their interests.

This is why the prime Minister’s policy of an inclusive society for all and a needs-based approach to address the concerns is most imperative in establishing a nation where all people groups have a say and share of the resources.

The ordinary people must have a say in policy and development plans that affect their lives. Most often the ballot box and the vote of the majority and power-interest can marginalise their concerns. This is the struggle for the Orang Asli community.

The government has introduced NKRIs and KPIs but consultation and partnership in development is most imperative especially the partnership of local communities such as the Orang Asli, the Penans and many such groups who feel that politics, business and the state are isolating them because they are minorities and powerless.

It is in this context I would urge the prime minister to establish a Social Inclusion Unit within Pemandu which will provide the platform for all communities and groups to voice out their concerns.

At the same time establish a Social Dialogue Process which will engage all groups and communities directly and give all people an assurance that their voice is important and their partnership for nation building is critical.

However, above all there is a need for all national leaders to address their grievances whether it is pertaining to socio-economic development, land, income-generation, environment or sustainable development.