SAYA ANAK BANGSA MALAYSIA (SABM) SUPPORTS UPKO’S RESOLUTION ON INCLUSION OF ORANG ASLI UNDER ARTICLE 153

1. The United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun and Murut Organisation [UPKO], Tanjong Malim Division, has proposed a resolution to urge the Government to give due recognition to the Orang Asli People by amending the Federal Constitution.

2. SABM supports the call by UPKO to include the Orang Asli People under Article 153 which is long overdue.

3. SABM notes that Article 153 places a duty on DYMM Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to safeguard the Special Position of the Malays and Natives of Sabah and Sarawak, and to also safeguard the legitimate interests of other communities.

4. As such, this constitutional provision is wide enough to enable the DYMM Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to take immediate steps to address the needs of the Orang Asli, without having to await amendments to the Constitution as now proposed by UPKO.

SABM further views that the spirit of our Malaysian Constitution and Article 153 provides support for all disadvantaged Malaysians, irrespective of ethnicity, to benefit from the rich resources of this nation and that all Malaysians have their rightful place under the Malaysian sun.

Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia [SABM]
Kuala Lumpur
10 November 2009