Johor Poll: Orang Asli Voters Prioritise Credibility, Commitment Over Political Tradition
By Samantha Tan
JOHOR BAHRU, July 4 (Bernama) -- As the 16th Johor State Election draws near, voting patterns among the Orang Asli community are increasingly shaped by a candidate's track record, capability, and commitment rather than political tradition or the influence of local leaders, reflecting a growing level of political maturity.
From the Jakun community in Mersing and Kota Tinggi to the Duano community in Pontian, more Orang Asli voters say their choices are now guided by who can genuinely champion their interests, particularly in matters involving customary land, education, economic opportunities, and the preservation of their cultural heritage.
For many, casting a ballot is no longer simply a civic responsibility but a decision that will shape the future of their communities and the next generation.
Kampung Orang Asli Sayong Pinang Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) chairman Sukri Talib, 40, said the most notable change is among younger voters, who are becoming more discerning in evaluating candidates before deciding who to support.
“Young people today know how to assess leaders. They look at who is with the community, who lends a helping hand when needed, and who is genuinely committed to serving the people," he told Bernama.
Sukri said education remains a top priority for the Jakun community, as it is key to improving the socio-economic standing of future generations without compromising their Orang Asli identity.
"We want Orang Asli children to have better educational opportunities. If their parents were unable to pursue higher education, let the next generation transform their family's future through education," he said.
He also stressed that young people should be given greater leadership opportunities, as they are the future generation of JPKK chairpersons, Tok Batin (village heads), and community leaders.
Echoing the sentiment, Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) Community Development Assistant Mohamad Aziman Reman, 31, said the Jakun community is increasingly evaluating candidates based on their commitment and ability to resolve local issues rather than political affiliation.
He said candidates who regularly engage with the community, understand local needs, and work to resolve long-standing issues, particularly the gazettement of Orang Asli customary land, are more likely to gain voters' support.
According to Aziman, the gazettement of Orang Asli settlements remains one of the community's biggest concerns, as the absence of legal land status continues to hinder economic development and infrastructure improvements.
"My greatest hope is for the Orang Asli land to be gazetted because land is the lifeblood of our community," he said.
Meanwhile, in Pontian, Duano Tok Batin Osman Abu Bakar, 67, said he has also witnessed a marked shift in political awareness among younger Orang Asli.
He said that while some previously believed voting made little difference, many now recognise that elected representatives play a vital role in determining the development and well-being of their villages.
However, Osman stressed that Orang Asli development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include efforts to preserve indigenous languages and cultural heritage, which are increasingly under threat.
"The younger generation of the Duano community is using our mother tongue less frequently. If nothing is done, there is a real risk that the language could disappear," he said.
He also called for greater attention to the welfare of small-scale fishermen in the community, who continue to face rising operating costs, declining catches, and limited capital to compete with commercial fishing operators.
The Johor state election will see 172 candidates contesting 56 seats, with polling on July 11 and early voting on July 7.
The election also features the only Orang Asli candidate, Jati Awang, 52, representing Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (ASLI), who is contesting the Endau state seat.
For the latest updates on the 16th Johor State Election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.
-- BERNAMA
Latest News
- Mother Detained After Children Stick Heads Out Of Moving Car Sunroof
- Development In Johor Needs To Be Balanced - Anwar
- FKRK 2026 : Kelantan Preserves Cultural Heritage In Line With Islamic Principles
- Three Held Over Seizure Of More Than 76,000 Cartons Of Contraband Beer
- Three Men Killled In Two-Vehicle Crash Along Pan Borneo Highway