COMMENT | We, representing grassroots Orang Asli communities, village organisations, civil society organisations and Orang Asli community leaders from across Peninsular Malaysia, express our deep disappointment and concern over recent statements made by two MPs over the rights of the Orang Asli.

1. Statement on the proposed Independent National Commission on Orang Asli

We note the statement made by Deputy Rural and Regional Development Rubiah Wang during the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament (reported by Astro Awani on July 8, 2026), claiming that the majority of Orang Asli oppose the proposed establishment of an Independent National Commission on Orang Asli.

We question the basis of that assertion.

When was this assessment conducted? Which communities, organisations or representatives were consulted? Was the process conducted in accordance with the principles of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC)?

Any policy affecting the Orang Asli must be...