Table 4 Educational assistance for Orang Asli, 2001-2005 (RM) ITEM 2001 2002 2003 2004 School uniforms 1,450.000 1,550,000 1,700,000 861,440 826,640 Transport 3,750,000 4,400,000 4,800,000 5,165,000 5,650,000 School fees 1,385,000 1,470,000 2,656,970 3,105,000 3,245,000 Activities 1,150,000 1,250,000 1,400,000 Food rations 700,000 800,000 1,110,000 860,000 600,000 ‘Allowances’ 150,000 170,000 180,000 150,000 250,000 Scholarships (IPT) 410,000 320,000 450,000 620,000 635,000 8,995,000 9,960,000 12,296,970 10,761,440 TOTAL 2005 - - 11,206,640 Source: JHEOA Structural Reasons for Dropping Out It is incorrect and unscientific to lay the blame for the high dropout rate among the Orang Asli solely on factors arising from the culture and attitudes of the Orang Asli, both the students and their parents. From my own personal observations, and from pronunciations by Orang Asli themselves through the media or at various fora (such as the one organised by Suhakam in 2005), it is clear that the reasons for the high dropout rate are multifaceted and involves more structural rather than attitudinal reasons. These structural reasons can be broadly categorised as follows: • • • • • Factors related to poverty; Non-delivery of educational assistance; Contrast in the Pedagogy and the Culture; Gaps in attendance; and Imperfections in the system. ORANG ASLI – RIGHTS, PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS 51