Rights of the rakyat as contained in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia were the subject of deliberation during a lively dialogue with the Orang Asli of Kampong Batu 14, Tapah on September 4.
A “sewang” demonstration by village maidens
As the country progresses, amendments are made to the Constitution by the passage of laws enacted by parliament. Over 1,000 amendments, mostly technical in nature, have been made since its creation in August 1957. Unfortunately, not many Malaysians are aware of the Constitution, let alone the amendments made so far.
The dialogue was attended by over 60 villagers from the Semai community which dominates the Orang Asli settlements along the Tapah-Cameron Highlands road. It was organised by Ipoh City Watch (ICW) with the assistance of the Malaysian Bar Council. ICW President, Augustine Anthony (right pic), gave an overview of the Constitution and how the aforementioned Articles impacted the indigenous community, per se.
During the question and answer session a member of the tribe asked whether the authorities can deny them entry into their native lands for cultivation and hunting. Another asked whether the construction of electric pylons by Tenaga Nasional Berhad near his village contravenes his rights under Article 13. The questions posed were promptly answered by the panel of experts.
“The spirit of Article 8, therefore, entails that an Orang Asli can be nominated to the highest office in the country, including that of Prime Minister,” Augustine concluded, in obvious reference to Article 8 of the Constitution. He was greeted with a loud round of applause from the audience.
ICW’s next stop is Kampong Tersusun Tasek, a Malay enclave near Bercham, Ipoh