Voices Of Indigenous Communities To Continue On National Unity Agenda – Saraswathy

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The voices of indigenous communities will continue to be given space and attention in the national unity agenda, in line with the principles of social justice and recognition of their cultural heritage, said Deputy National Unity Minister Saraswathy Kandasami.

According to Sarawathy, the Orang Asli and indigenous communities are not only an important group in the country's demographic structure, but also one of the main drivers in shaping Malaysia's cultural and historical identity.

"Therefore, efforts to recognise, protect and empower indigenous communities need to be carried out continuously and inclusively," she said when officiating the Citra Nusa@Muzium Programme: ASEAN Natives and Indigenous Festival 2025 at the National Museum here today.

The two-day programme, organised by the Ministry of National Unity (KPN) through the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM), is in conjunction with Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair this year and the celebration of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

It highlights the cultural and artistic heritage of the Orang Asli and indigenous communities in Malaysia, in addition to introducing ethnic groups from ASEAN countries such as the Mentawai (Indonesia), Karen (Thailand) and Aeta or Negrito (the Philippines).

Regarding the programme, Saraswathy said it is a high-impact platform for introducing the country's diverse heritage, including enhancing public appreciation for cultural, historical and natural wealth.

Meanwhile, JMM director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A. Kasim said the organisation of the programme proves that indigenous communities are not marginalised groups, but rather have the potential to excel in various fields.

"We want to show the public that this group (the Orang Asli and indigenous people) can also be successful, some becoming community leaders, entrepreneurs, and even influencers like our Jungle Girl (Nur Rafidah Man, a young Orang Asli woman) thus becoming an important part of the country's progress," she told reporters after the event.

With the theme ‘Dahulu & Kini’ (Then & Now), the programme features various traditional dances including the Sumazau Dance (Kadazan, Sabah), the Ngajat Dance (Orang Ulu, Sarawak), the Seri Kala (Temiar) and Bah Bola (Semai) dances from the Peninsula, as well as the Aeta, Karen and Mentawai dances.

In addition to cultural performances, visitors also have the opportunity to witness craft and heritage demonstrations such as the preparation of traditional ethnic foods (Gastronomika & Eksotika), traditional statue and mask carving, wooden blowpipes, the making of Jalur boats and traditional gasing.

The sales booths also offer a variety of handicrafts, decorative accessories, craft books, ethnic T-shirts, natural beauty products, and health herbs from indigenous communities, while activities such as blowpipe competitions, kerchang games, interactive quizzes, children's colouring contests, and lucky draws are also available to visitors.

--BERNAMA