New Orang Asli party seeks breakthrough in Endau

JOHOR POLLS | Amid the heat of the Johor state election, where fierce clashes between major political blocs are ongoing, a small party is attempting to carve out its own history in the Endau state seat.

Contesting as the debut wager for Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (Asli), Johor state liaison committee chairperson Jati Awang, 52, is aware that his presence on the mainstream political stage invites various reactions.

However, Jati (above, second from right) brushed aside claims that Asli is merely acting as a "spoiler" or aiming to split the bumiputera community's votes.

"No... If anyone says that, it is pure lies and speculation. We have never thought about ensuring a win for Perikatan Nasional or Umno.

"They run their own programmes to attract votes; we run our own.

"Our intention to contest is genuine for the future of our community - not to be a political tool for other parties," he told Malaysiakini in an exclusive interview.

In this state election, Jati faces a four-cornered fight in Endau against Hasnul Hakimi Hussien (PN), Saiful Nizam Samat (Pakatan Harapan), and two-term incumbent Alwiyah Talib (BN).

In the 2018 general election, Alwiyah - popularly known as Kak Awi - won the Endau seat on a BN ticket before joining Bersatu.

She mounted a successful defence under PN in the 2022 state election, capturing 55.5 percent of the vote - a 20 percent majority over Umno.

Last month, she left Bersatu and rejoined Umno ahead of the state election.

Old approach no longer relevant

Commenting on the drastic decision to form a new party in December 2022 despite the community's existing representation in the government and opposition blocs, Jati explained that the old approach is no longer relevant.

He referred to Cameron Highlands MP Ramli Nor, who represents BN, and former senator Bob Manolan, who was previously with Harapan.

While respecting the struggle of both figures, Jati believed their positions in mainstream parties limited their freedom to champion the rights of the Orang Asli community.

"Our representatives are indeed there, but the problem is they are sitting in another 'house', someone else's ship. Bob fights on Harapan's agenda, while Ramli is on BN's agenda.

"When we ride on someone else's ship, we know how it is... to speak up even a little, we must first clear our throats - we can't do anything because we have to follow their party procedures and discipline," he said.

According to Jati, Asli, which has about 30,000 members from 18 Orang Asli tribes nationwide, provides an independent platform to champion the community's voice without political constraints.

"On our own party's agenda, we can voice out whatever we want, especially to rectify the situation involving our customary land rights, which are increasingly marginalised," he added.

Underdog status

Facing the machinery of major parties, Jati admitted Asli is moving as an underdog party without financial backing from tycoons or any vested interests.

A Malaysiakini survey around the Endau state seat found that Asli flags were only visible in certain village areas, a stark contrast to the campaigns of the main parties.

Jati did not hide the challenge of funding constraints, which forced the party machinery to adopt a thrifty strategy and ration campaign expenses.

"We use our own money - in fact, we collect a little bit among the state committee members. We are not lying to or forcing anyone.

"That is why our machinery cannot be wasteful. If we run out of capital early on, we won't be able to do anything today.

"So, we saved a bit of capital for the final phase of the campaign to ensure we can still go down to the ground to meet the surrounding community," he said.

Despite carrying the "Orang Asli" name, Jati guaranteed that he would not practise favouritism and would represent all segments of society if given the people's mandate.

Based on Election Commission data, Malay voters make up 80.1 percent of the voters in the area. The second-largest voting group is the Chinese community at 13.4 percent, followed by the Orang Asli community, who make up 4.6 percent.

Indian voters comprise 0.7 percent, while other races make up 0.9 percent.

Orang Asli lacking basic amenities

Touching on local issues, Jati claimed there are still several Orang Asli villages in the Endau state seat that have yet to fully enjoy basic amenities.

"The electricity and water issues are still critical in two or three of these villages. Electricity cables have not arrived yet, so residents have to use diesel fuel to run generators.

"Not only that, the underground water system there is often clogged. When it breaks down, residents are cut off from clean water supply and have to rely entirely on rainwater and river water for their daily survival," said Jati, who hails from Kampung Tanah Abang.

He also sees great potential in Endau's tourism sector if the state government builds a more organised jetty and supports the development of floating food premises.

The father of seven hopes voters will give Asli a chance to prove its capability for at least one term.

"Give us a one-term chance to rectify the situation. If we fail, we will hand the decision back to the people," he said.

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