Open Felda and MRSM doors for Orang Asli, urges MP

• UPDATED 6.40PM | Added Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki’s reaction to proposal.

Cameron Highlands MP Ramli Mohd Nor has urged the government to open more Orang Asli Felda and give special allocations for their children to enter Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM).

The deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker, who is also from the Semai tribe, said the special allocation should be given for MRSM and boarding schools as well. 

Speaking at the Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024, Ramli said it would be great if there was at least one percent allocation given to Orang Asli to pursue studies in MRSM. 

“Please open the MRSM doors to us. (We are asking) for one percent, if not 0.5 percent.

“Let Orang Asli (pursue education) at MRSM (and/or) boarding schools,” he said.

Citing the success of Felda in increasing the socioeconomic status of Malays, Ramli said it is necessary to set up more for the Orang Asli.

He said while Pahang is set to build a Felda scheme for the Orang Asli, more states should follow the same steps.

“If it succeeds (in setting up Orang Asli Felda), Perak or states with many Orang Asli should also build (Felda),” he added.

In response, Mara chairperson Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said if Ramli’s suggestion becomes part of the congress’ resolution, Mara will implement it.

“God willing, we (congress secretariat) will discuss it - all the matters raised at the congress.

“We (Mara), as the implementing agency, will execute whatever that is aspired by the grassroots,” he briefly said when met at the congress today.

Rein in excesses

During the congress, Ramli also presented the result of the engagement session on empowering the Orang Asli community.

He also suggested that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government, with the support of two-thirds of the Dewan Rakyat, amend the Constitution to safeguard and empower the Orang Asli.

He said that there are many issues such as customary land, which have failed to receive proper defence without amending the Constitution.

Separately, Ramli also advised Orang Asli to minimise excessive entertainment and avoid activities that could harm them.

He said while Orang Asli is known for its valuable arts and culture, there is a limit to everything. 

He stressed that drinking alcohol is not in the culture of the peninsula’s Orang Asli and expressed his hope that Tok Batin would advise their villagers.

Ramli also urged Orang Asli to leave their comfort zone and follow in the footsteps of Malays’ success. 

“Lessen (your) negative activities, don’t be the race who are lazy and hope for subsidy. We must change.

“The Malays used to have their homes like Orang Asli, (but) now where is the Malay? We need to change and the main thing is (to get) education,” he added.

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