Orang Asli “Merdeka” gathering at Pos Kemar

For the first time ever, a festival to celebrate the country’s “Merdeka Day” was organised to bring together Orang Asli from various villages in Perak. This was the desire of the new Perak state government and support was provided by various groups including the Perak Deanery Orang Asli Apostolate’s Sahabat Orang Asli (SOA) team. The gathering was held at Pos Kemar, Gerik, comprising 15 registered Orang Asli villages with a population size of approximately 4,500 people.

Other than the Orang Asli of Pos Kemar, the three-day-two-night event was attended by other groups of Orang Asli from different areas of Perak such as Tapah/Cameron Highlands, Simpang Pulai and Kampar. SOA was involved in organising logistics, transport and accommodation for the visiting Orang Asli. The Pos Kemar villagers enjoyed several economic benefits from providing boat transportation, hosting homestays and preparing all the meals for the gathering.

External sponsors also helped to defray some of the costs.

Prior to the gathering, SOA had helped to sponsor the construction of a new community hall and two eco-tourism chalets at this village. The hall and chalets were fully utilised for this event.

A highlight of the gathering was the surprise visit of Perak’s newly minted Menteri Besar, YAB Tuan Ahmad Faizal bin Dato’ Azumu. The humble and youthful Menteri Besar impressed the Orang Asli with his down to earth manner and willingness to listen to the issues affecting their living conditions and way of life. In addition to holding a dialogue session with the village chiefs, he also visited the school, health clinic and water source at Pos Kemar and took note of their present conditions.

We are optimistic that the Menteri Besar’s visit will bring greater empathy and compassion for their welfare.

The Merdeka concert at the conclusion of the festival almost ended in disaster when the area encountered a violent storm which destroyed the recently constructed external stage. Fortunately, the concert was moved indoors and no one was hurt. It was a truly special and meaningful Merdeka celebration all in all.

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online