RYTHM Foundation-UKM Convention Formulates Resolutions to Uphold Indigenous Rights in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27, 2023 – A convention addressing the issues and challenges affecting Malaysia’s indigenous communities formulated more than 30 resolutions to address the marginalised groups’ critical predicament in education, health, livelihood, and statelessness. The resolutions were adopted at the end of the two-day ‘Indigenous Communities in Malaysia: Reframing the National Sustainability Initiative’ Convention on June 22. It was co-hosted by RYTHM Foundation, the social impact initiative of the QI Group, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Held at UKM’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, the gathering comprised prominent organisations and institutions such as Yayasan Sime Darby, Quest International University, Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Ilmu Khas, The Malaysian Orang Asli Graduates Association, Universiti Teknologi Mara, and UIA Pagoh. The resolutions were adopted from keynote speeches, a forum, roundtable discussions, and project presentations that discussed improving the education, health, livelihood and undocumented status of the country’s indigenous population, including the Orang Asli. “For far too long, indigenous communities in our nation, like in many parts of the globe, have borne the burden of historical injustices, cultural marginalisation, and social inequalities,” the Head of RYTHM, Santhi Periasamy, said. “Their struggles, resilience, and wisdom have often been overlooked. This inaugural convention acknowledged the urgent need to address these challenges and work towards a better future for all. “The proposed resolutions clearly outline the needs of our indigenous population in these areas,” Santhi added. A key highlight of the education resolutions included creating a relevant curriculum for the communities focusing on aspects of their daily lives, including health, nutrition, and hygiene, and teachings about spirituality and stewardship. In the health sphere, one of the recommendations included developing culture-appropriate health programmes and enabling the largely relegated groups to take control of the health needs of their communities. A critical livelihood resolution emphasised empowering the indigenous through sustainable economic initiatives like skill development programmes, microfinance access, and creating sustainable enterprises that harness the rich cultural heritage of the population. As crucial reference points for future actions in the areas of human rights and statelessness, the deliberators suggested alluding to reports by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia and the United Nations Declaration On The Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The convention also recognised the importance of preserving the land rights of the indigenous. Recommendations were made to strengthen legal protections, enhance consultation processes, and ensure the indigenous have a prominent voice in matters concerning their territories.