Warisan Orang Asal sebahagian khazanah, identiti Malaysia

The Minister of Unity, Aaron Ago Dagang, emphasized that the heritage of the indigenous Orang Asal community is not just their own, but also a shared asset and identity of Malaysia. He stressed that efforts to promote the community should keep pace with national development without letting traditional language, customs, or knowledge fade away.

He stated that the nation's progress should open more opportunities for the Orang Asal generation to advance in education, economy, and leadership without losing their cultural roots and identity. "Malaysia is fortunate to have the Orang Asal community as an integral part of our history and national identity," he added. He highlighted that language, art, customs, traditional knowledge, connection with nature, and life values passed down from one generation to the next enrich Malaysia's identity.

The United Nations (UN) also recognized indigenous peoples as custodians and possessors of unique cultures and knowledge systems, including environmental preservation and biodiversity. In the context of national unity, Aaron said the Orang Asal community is part of Malaysia's big family, where diversity is not a division but a strength that shapes Malaysia.

He urged everyone to strengthen their commitment to respecting identity, elevating the status, and valuing the contributions of the Orang Asal community to the nation. "Their heritage is our heritage. Their identity is part of Malaysia's identity," he concluded. World Orang Asal Day is celebrated on August 9th each year, following its adoption by the UN General Assembly in 1994 through Resolution 49/214, commemorating the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.