Warisan Orang Asal sebahagian khazanah, identiti Malaysia
Bahasa, seni, adat, pengetahuan tradisional, serta nilai kehidupan Orang Asal yang diwarisi bergenerasi perkaya identiti Malaysia, kata Aaron Ago Dagang.
The Minister of Unity, Aaron Ago Dagang, emphasized that the heritage of the Orang Asal community is not just their own, but also a shared asset and identity of Malaysia. He stated that efforts to promote the Orang Asal need to keep pace with national development without causing their language, customs, or traditional knowledge to be marginalized.
The minister highlighted that national progress should create more opportunities for the Orang Asal generation to advance in education, economy, and leadership without losing their cultural roots and identities.
He further explained that Malaysia is fortunate to have the Orang Asal community as an integral part of its history and national identity. On social media for Malaysia Indigenous Peoples' Day 2026, he shared that language, art, customs, traditional knowledge, relationships with nature, and values passed down from one generation to the next enrich Malaysia's identity.
Globally, the United Nations (UN) recognizes indigenous peoples as guardians and custodians of unique cultures, knowledge systems, and environmental management.
In terms of national unity, the minister said that the Orang Asal community is part of Malaysia's big family, with the country's diversity not being a dividing line but a strength that shapes Malaysia's face. He emphasized that when each community is respected, their heritage is preserved, and their contributions are valued, they are building a more inclusive, harmonious, and united nation.
On Malaysia Indigenous Peoples' Day, Aaron called on all stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to respecting the identity, elevating the status, and valuing the contributions of the Orang Asal community to the nation. He reiterated that their heritage is our heritage and their identity is part of Malaysia's identity. Observed annually on August 9th since its establishment by the UN General Assembly in 1994 through Resolution 49/214, Malaysia Indigenous Peoples' Day commemorates the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
