New values to uplift Orang Asli

The New Straits Times (Used by permission) by Dharshini Balan KUALA KLAWANG: The Orang Asli community at Kampung Tohor, Jelebu, here was given the opportunity to learn and adopt new values for the growth and development of the community through Program Mesra Minda, organised by the Department of Orang Asli Affairs. The two-day programme, which began on Wednesday, is aimed at encouraging the Orang Asli community to discard old values that could affect and obstruct the development of the community. Department of Orang Asli Affairs director-general Datuk Mohd Sani Mistam said there were many projects and programmes organised by the government for the benefit of the Orang Asli community. "However, none of the programmes would benefit them if they hold on to old values that could hold the community back from growing. "Program Mesra Minda helps the community to learn new positive values in order to become better individuals and community as a whole," he said at the closing ceremony of the programme at the village yesterday. The programme also helped to strengthen ties with the department and other government agencies. About 70 families were involved in the programme and took part in various activities, such as gotong-royong, exhibitions, sports carnival and talks by officers from various government agencies, such as the National Security Council, Information, National Registration and the Health Departments. Sani said many Orang Asli families were now great importance on education of their children, and today, there were many Orang Asli professionals such as doctors, lawyers and magistrates, which was unheard of in the past. "The government has also allocated RM100 million for education, including scholarships and financial assistance, for Orang Asli children. "With these assistance, we hope more would make the community proud by becoming useful individuals to the country. "In fact, this year, five Orang Asli students were chosen to further their studies abroad under the Mara scholarship schemes." He added that 220 Orang Asli students were pursuing diploma and degree courses at local universities this year.