KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor hopes the proposed amendments to the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 will receive two-thirds backing of the house.
He today said he was leading engagement sessions on the proposed amendments, and said the matter would be taken to Parliament after receiving the nod of the cabinet and the Conference of Rulers.
"Suggestions on the amendments will be presented to the Orang Asli and the public before it is taken to the cabinet, the Conference of Rulers, and then tabled in Parliament.
"I hope that when it happens, the opposition would also support the amendments," he said while chairing the Dewan Rakyat session.
"I have to use this opportunity because there are no Orang Asli (representatives) down there (on the floor).
Last month, Ramli, an Orang Asli who is Cameron Highlands member of parliament, said an amendment to the Constitution regarding the interests of the Orang Asli was expected to be tabled by 2027 at the latest.
He had said the constitutional amendments involved two matters.
Engagement sessions with the Orang Asli and non-governmental organisations were underway in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Perak and Kedah, he added.
The proposed amendments would specify that the responsibility for the care of the Orang Asli would fall under federal and state governments and address issues such as land, forestry and community welfare.
"We will look at Article 153 concerning Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputera and Pribumi's interests. But the Orang Asli are excluded here, so I'm proposing this for the amendment."