2 PROBLEMS FACING THE ORANG ASLI This section will look at the problems facing the Orang Asli in their various aspects and contexts. It will assess programmes, activities and achievement rates of the Government against that for the mainstream population, and highlight weaknesses and shortcomings in the enjoyment of the inherent rights to be enjoyed by the Orang Asli as discussed in the preceding section. As required by Suhakam in the Terms of Reference for this report, the emphasis will be on ‘problems’ faced by the Orang Asli community. This is not to suggest there have been no improvement in the lives of the Orang Asli as a result of Government intervention. On the contrary, many are quick to attribute marked improvements in the condition of the Orang Asli compared to, say, at the time of Independence. Nevertheless, as the evidence below reveal, when compared with the wider mainstream population, the achievement rate for the Orang Asli community on all counts has been largely dismal and in need of urgent redress. This section is organised along the following broad categories of Orang Asli rights: • • • Right to land and natural resources; Right to development; Right to self-determination; ORANG ASLI – RIGHTS, PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS 21