Traditional dances, songs, music and food added to the galore and spirit of brotherhood which we partook. There was plenty of drama and magical moments as ceremonially dressed women and men presented a two-hour extravaganza traditional show which culminated with inspiring speeches by Dato’ Ngeh Koo Ham, Bah Azmi (Chairman of JKOAP), Tijah Yok Chopil (its Secretary), and Augustine Anthony (head of Orang Asli Affairs BCHRC).
It was during lunch when we had a brain storming session with Dato’ Ngeh Koo Ham who acknowledged our achievements over the Gopeng logging issue. He then informed that he wanted to commission a task-force headed by Augustine Anthony to assist him in matters pertaining to orang asli matters in the state.
Simultaneously, in the simple ceremony he has also appointed Augustine as his personal legal advisor. Also present at the ceremony were Jerald Joseph of KOMAS, Dr. Colins Nicholas of COAC, Tijah Yok Chopil, Bah Azmi, Bah Ahha of JKOAP, me and scores of Tok Batins from 6 other states. This is indeed an honour to Perak Legal Aid and Human Rights Sub-committee as Perak would be the first State in the country to have such an Orang Asli Task-force commissioned by the State. Hence we intend to form a pro-active committee comprising of those who are foremost authorities in orang asli issues. The list looks impressive and I am sure that everyone in the Commission will work very hard to come up with strategies to help save the Orang Asli people, their land and their culture.
The Government must not fear populist decisions, because the present problem is not only economic, but also one of confidence. The move was proof that the Perak State Government cared for the people.Submitted by
M. Gokoolaram Naidu
Executive
Perak Legal Aid Centre and Human Rights Sub-Committee
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