SHAH ALAM, 30 Nov: Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) is allegedly not allowed to establish official relations with the Selangor Government to resolve the issue of indigenous land being gazetted in the state.
Tourism, Consumer Affairs and Environment Exco, Elizabeth Wong claims that the Federal Government had issued the prohibition to Jakoa.
As a result, she said, the State Government has approach to Jakoa by holding meetings outside the office to resolve any problems concerning the indigenous people.
However, she said that Jakoa has good relationships with the District and Land Office as well as other state departments.
“I feel a little offended because the State Government has no direct relationship with Jakoa.”
“When I called the Selangor Jakoa Director two years ago to set up a meeting regarding the issue of indigenous land being gazetted, the meeting was not held at the State Government Secretary’s office or Jakoa headquarters, but it was held outside.”
“This is because they are not allowed to hold formal meetings with my office.”
“However, at the district level, Jakoa and the Land Department has a better relationship. I hope that Jakoa would be more professional.
“I have no intention of condemning anyone, we just want to work together properly. We only want to solve the issue of the indigenous land being gazetted,” she said while answering questions from Lee Kim Sin (PKR-Kajang) regarding the issue of the Orang Asli settlements in the state.
However, according to Elizabeth, she has no problem if Jakoa has good relations with the Land and District Office as long as all issues can be resolved well.