INDIGENOUS EDUCATION FOR THE ORANG ASLI: LEGAL PERSPECTIVES AND BEST PRACTICES

Abstract

This study reviews legal instruments relevant to the rights of indigenous peoples to education, the indigenous education system in Malaysia, as well as their rights and practices in other jurisdictions. The review shows that the indigenous peoples in Malaysia face many challenges and issues while exercising their rights to education. Among the problems faced by indigenous peoples in Malaysia include the lack of access to trained teachers, inadequate funding, and a lack of knowledge among teachers, in terms of indigenous culture and tradition, which seemingly play no role in shaping the education system in Malaysia. Evidence of these problems can be seen in terms of the opportunities provided to indigenous peoples to participate in decision-making, curriculum design, teachers' selection, and teaching methods that respect indigenous cultures and traditions. This is not compatible with the international law standards and some states' best practices that recognize indigenous peoples' right to establish and control their educational systems and institutions and provide education in their language, in a manner consistent with non-discrimination teaching and learning culture. This paper is expected to contribute to improving the quality of education of the indigenous peoples in Malaysia through some recommendations.
 
 Keywords: Education, human rights, international, Malaysia, Orang Asli.
 
 Cite as: Nordin, R., Hassan, M. S., Wong Rui Fern, V., Cherley, M., & Bala Subramaniam, L. (2020). Indigenous education for the Orang Asli: Legal perspectives and best practices. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 5(2), 365-383. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol5iss2pp365-383