The government, however, continues to assert that only with resettlement can Orang Asli be assured of proper health care and services. It refuses to acknowledge that much of the lamentable health conditions in these myriad schemes are due to the narrow subsistence base and psychological disenfranchisement caused by uprooting Orang Asli from their traditional territories. Even more recently, in July 2004, when a study by UPM found high levels of Escherichia coli in Tasik Chini lake that caused rashes and diarrhoea in some Orang Asli living in their five lakeshore villages, the Minister in charge of Orang Asli Affairs immediately suggested that the Orang Asli be resettled into one place “so that they can attain proper amenities”. However, as the village batin pointed out, the problem only started when the authorities dammed the Chini River to prevent the lake water from flowing into the Pahang River. Moreover, the university study plainly said the contamination was due to improper sewage disposal by a local resort and by the Tasik Chini national service camp at the lakeside! (The Star, 26 July 2004, 27 July 2004, 29 July 2004). Such blame-shifting on health problems reveal the underclass status of the Orang Asli. No dominant social group would accept such allegations without a counter-challenge, and no politician would dare to pit himself against a group that could jeopardise his own position. Such attitudes about Orang Asli also clearly show how those responsible for promoting Orang Asli welfare and health are themselves not informed or ignorant of the issues involved. Worse, they wield their authority and dominance by backing measures that would further marginalise the Orang Asli. Insensitivity The official stance of authority and dominance, coupled with ignorance of Orang Asli culture, is sometimes reflected in an insensitive technocratic way of handling problems. For example, in 1996, when the President of the Malaysian Association of Maternal and Neonatal Health revealed that 60 ORANG ASLI – RIGHTS, PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS 45