Shafie: BN govt can help orang asli in Kelantan

(The Star) – If we rule, the problem will be quickly resolved. What is important is that we need to hold power in Kelantan

A Barisan Nasional government will help the troubled orang asli in Kelantan resolve their land woe issues should it seize power in the upcoming general election, said Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

The Rural and Regional Development Minister said a lot had been done to help the orang asli in Barisan-held states, including Negri Sembilan, Terengganu and Johor.

“Land is controlled by the state governments. The Federal Government cannot just impose conditions or rules.

“If we rule, the problem will be quickly resolved. What is important is that we need to hold power in Kelantan,” he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) and South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar) here yesterday.

He was referring to the orang asli from the Temiar community, who had gathered in Gua Musang, Kelantan, earlier this year to protest against encroachment of their ancestral land for logging and opening of plantations.

It was reported that a few hundred orang asli from Hulu Kelantan also held a peaceful demonstration earlier this month to demand that the PAS state government fulfil its promises.

Mohd Shafie said the Prime Minister would also launch the Rural Transformation Centre (RTC) in Kelantan on May 4.

He said the RTC’s concept was a one-stop centre to help local farmers and entrepreneurs sell their products as well as find job opportunities for their children, obtain bank loans and get government help.

On the MoU, it was worth RM41mil and meant for a replanting programme for rubber and oil palm trees, which would benefit smallholders in south Kelantan including Gua Musang.