Orang Asli representatives should give opinions to improve related laws - Rais

Graduates and senior officers from among the Orang Asli community should give their views towards reviewing and improving several national legal provisions to be in line with current developments.

Socio-Cultural Affairs Adviser to the Government, Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim said the move was also in line with the need to fill the needs and aspirations of the National Transformation (TN50) and ensuring the group is not left behind.

"We should encourage this community to come forward and submit their views towards improving several existing acts including related to the land and culture issue," he said after launching the 20th annual-general meeting of the Peninsula Malaysia Orang Asli Association at the Gombak Orang Asli Cultural Hall here, Saturday.

He said at least a representative from the community will be invited to become part of the work committee in the Cultural Development Advisory Council, to empower the aspect of culture.

In the meantime, Rais said the proposal to create an Orang Asli Day submitted by the association would be appropriately considered.

As the first step, Rais said he would bring the motion to the Rural and Regional Development Ministry for further discussions.

-- BERNAMA