Article contributed by Zenathnara Narayansamy, Member, Bar Council Committee on Orang Asli Rights and Najwa Hamid, Officer, Bar Council; and photos by Satha Selvan, Senior Administrative Assistant, Bar Council
On 8 Dec 2015, the Bar Council Committee on Orang Asli Rights (“COAR”) organised the #getAsli Fundraising Dinner 2015 at the Grand Ballroom, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Allianz Malaysia Berhad was the principal donor for the event.
The title #getAsli was selected by COAR with the hopes that it will inspire others to “get real” and not turn a blind eye to the continuing challenges and difficulties faced by the Orang Asli in securing the attainment of basic human rights and fundamental liberties, their dignity and their rightful place within Malaysia’s multi–cultural society.
The emcees for the event were Siti Zabedah Kasim and Shashi Devan Thalmalingam. Guests were ushered into the Grand Ballroom at around 7:30 pm.
Photos of the devastation caused by the floods in December 2014 in certain areas of Peninsular Malaysia’s East Coast, which was contributed by Allianz Malaysia Berhad as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, were shown on the screen. This was followed by a one–minute silence in remembrance of the seven Orang Asli students who disappeared in the jungles of Kelantan.
The event began with a video presentation entitled “Social Survivors”. The video — made 20 years ago by Dr Colin Nicholas from Centre for Orang Asli Concerns — depicted the living conditions and lifestyles of some of the Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia. Siti Zabedah Kasim explained that nothing has changed since then, and the living conditions of the Orang Asli remained the same.
The famous cartoonist Zunar (real name: Zulkiflee SM Anwar) was invited on stage to draw. His drawing was intended for auction and the proceeds from the auction would be donated to the #getAsli fund. He completed his drawing in less than two hours on the stage.
Steven Thiru, President of the Malaysian Bar, delivered a strong speech. He began his speech in English and then continued in Bahasa Melayu for the benefit of the Orang Asli present. Steven Thiru conveyed a special word of appreciation to Allianz Malaysia Berhad, the principal donor, for their generous donation.
Another video was shown on the struggles of the Orang Asli. Shafie, an Orang Asli from the Ja’hut community, then explained the issues affecting the Orang Asli. He was appreciative to the Members of the Bar who helped the Orang Asli by representing them in their claims to native customary rights to land. The event also showcased live performances by the Orang Asli to introduce their culture to the public.
A dialogue was held between Siti Zabedah Kasim and Dendi, an Orang Asli from the Temiar community in Gua Musang, Kelantan, which elaborated on the seven missing school children. Dendi explained about their background, and the conduct of the teachers in caning several other school children prior to the incident. As a result, the seven students ran into the forests nearby, to avoid being caned as punishment for swimming in the river.
Before the auction session started, Steven Thiru explained that COAR has been active in protecting and advocating the rights of Orang Asli and other indigenous communities. Yogeswaran Subramaniam, Liew Sau Harn Aimee, Siti Zabedah Kasim, Cherian KC Kuruvila, Andrew Khoo Chin Hock and Victoria Ng Yiow Kheng were called on the stage in appreciation of the work done on behalf of the Committee.
Among the items auctioned were the drawing from Zunar, and paintings by the Orang Asli artists, Shaq Koyok and Ramlan Koyok. Zunar’s drawing on the plight of the Orang Asli fetched a sum of RM3,000.
The event ended with a dance performance by the Orang Asli and was joined by guests on stage. COAR is proud that the event was a huge success with the attendance of more than 500 people. It was also humbling to see so many in support of the Orang Asli, and also the Orang Asli who had made the effort to travel to join the event.