The Malaysian government is set to amend the long-standing Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (Act 134), with the draft drawing lessons from New Zealand’s approach to empowering the Māori community, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said among the key elements being studied are indigenous land ownership rights, inclusive access to education, and the creation of dedicated funding agencies to promote indigenous entrepreneurship.
“Act 134 is now 71 years old, and many areas must be re-examined. Here (in New Zealand), we are not just looking at land ownership issues but also rights in education, business and financing,” he said during a press conference at Rumah Malaysia today.
However, he stressed that the Māori framework could not be adopted wholesale and must be adapted to suit the needs and context of the Orang Asli in Malaysia.
The proposed amendments are currently at the initial drafting stage, with ongoing engagement sessions involving state leaders, representatives from 377 Orang Asli villages, and relevant stakeholders, including Orang Asli academics and professionals.
He added that the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA), under his ministry, has been tasked with reimagining the development ecosystem for the community beyond basic needs like infrastructure and schooling.
“The objective of the amendment is not to deny rights but to strengthen protection for the Orang Asli community,” he said, adding that the draft would be brought to the Cabinet, then debated and voted on in Parliament before receiving royal assent.
Zahid also highlighted the importance of strong cooperation with state governments, given that land ownership matters fall under state jurisdiction. He expects the draft to be tabled during the March 2026 parliamentary sitting.
Earlier, Zahid met New Zealand’s Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka, at Parliament to discuss bilateral cooperation in indigenous community development and policy exchange between the two nations.
He also held a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regulation David Seymour and engaged with the President of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ), Ibrar Sheikh, at Rumah Malaysia.
