STATEMENT BY
MS. HANIZAH MOHD IZZUDDIN
COUNSELLOR
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE SESSION WITH
MR. JOSE FRANCISCO CALI TZAY
SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE RIGHTS OF THE INDIGENIOUS PEOPLES
11 OCTOBER 2021, NEW YORK
Thank you Mr. Chairman,
I would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his presentation.
2. Malaysia as a signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) 2007, has taken numerous initiatives to align its national policies with the international requirements, in accordance with the Vienna Declaration 1993, which outlines our commitment to comply with the international standard relating to human rights and has given special focus on the rights of the indigenous peoples.
3. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted Malaysians, economically and socially. Malaysia has assisted its indigenous peoples, the Orang Asli to alleviate these impacts, which include, cash assistance, provision of food baskets and COVID-19 vaccination. Serious measures have been taken to maintain security and prevent the spread of COVID-19 to all citizens, including the indigenous community in Malaysia.
Mr. Chairman
4. The Government has implemented numerous initiatives consisting of infrastructure development, poverty eradication and income generating activities as well as human capital development to elevate the livelihood of the Orang Asli community, consistent with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 and Rural Development Policy.
5. Efforts have been made to improve the living standards of Orang Asli through various programmes, including developing and strengthening Orang Asli entrepreneurs. The programmes would be integrated with existing economic projects through training and guidance aimed at developing eco-tourism and agro-tourism for the indigenous peoples.
6. Efforts to improve the level of education among the Orang Asli students remain a top agenda of the Government. These efforts will be intensified with the cooperation of various parties by increasing education infrastructure and creating awareness on the importance of education.
7. Malaysia is ready to share its experience and achievements as well as learn and adopt best practices from other member states to improve the standard of living of the Orang Asli in Malaysia.
I thank you Mr. Chairman