WHAT
IS KOOF?
The KOOF foundation is an organization sincerely in hope
of making things better for the aborigines. With no racial exclusivities
involved, the activities are in no hope of modernizing, centralizing their
social lives. For a start KOOF tends to concentrate more on the specific
problems that the local aborigines are facing. It seems that the aborigines
are considered as a subrace or Malaysia although they are the first settlers
of the land. If not a subrace, maybe less. These unjustified living conditions
will help to ease by lending a hand to those needed. By doing this we can
hope to extend it to more helpful organization, local and global. As it
is non-hierarchic and decentralized, the foundation will hopefully be as
an alternative to the aristocratic department, which has failed to function.
THE PROBLEMS THAT THE ABORIGINES
IN MALAYSIA ARE FACING.
1.The JHEOA (The Department of Aboriginal Affairs) and
the problems it creates: - -a symposium held in 1984 on development and
the future of "Orang Asli” which brought forth seven (7) papers written
by Orang Asli themselves overwhelmingly showed now, in many different ways,
this department is an anachronism today.It was taken to task for its poor
planning, mismanagement and indifference to Orang Asli needs and aspirations.
In 1955 the JHEOA was set up primarily as a tool of the security forces
which were engaged in fighting the communist insurgents. The primary task
of the newly formed department was to win over the Orang Asli from communist.
In theory, the JHEOA acquired control over the external relations of the
Orang Asli.
2.Middle Men -the role of the middlemen and the long-term
impact on Orang Asli economy is crucial. There are pros and cons to the
existence of this group in the forest.
3.Roads -without social infra-structure and greater and
more effective government participation to upgrade the business capacity
of Orang Asli, roads are a boon to the outsiders, a great help to middlemen
and thus work less in favour of Orang Asli.
4.Land Development Schemes -these schemes must be thought
of more carefully in terms of their overall social organization. One issue
is spatial distribution vis-a-vis the land of other development schemes.
5.Logging -the more timber logged the greater likehood
that Orang Asli livehood will be affected. The deleterious effects on the
economic and communal life of the Orang Asli can be sen in the depletion
of other natural resources such as water. Hence it appears that the state
still holds the right to exploit resources, particularly timber, within
aboriginal resources.
6.Dams -a question that has often been raised is whether
dams are all that necessary today, especially in areas when Orang Asli
have lived for centuries. Energy supplied is not directly for Orang Asli.
7.The contemporary Malay Ethos -this is a decisive factor,
in which the Malay belief system about Orang Asli and religion play a part.
Sentiments about Orang Asli are on the whole guided by sympathy for their
welfare. but these sentiments have not been translated into deeds conducive
to the forging of better relationships between tem. A large section of
the Malay population still thinks Orang Asli is a primitive.
WHAT WE ARE DOING NOW
In order to help the aborigines to ease their basic needs,
we are raising fund by collecting donations among our DIY community. Also
we are doing cheap rate laundry for the ITM students and the local residents.
We will collect and return their laundry back without any extra charges.
By using our own motorbike and for the moment the gas expenses and other
laundry expenses will from our savings. We are planning to do a car-boot
sale that for a start we are collecting old stuff such as clothes, books
etc. where its benefit will be directed to the aborigines. We are also
looking for any help from everywhere to inform about the aborigine’s problems.
The latest is Moral Hazard (USA) is going to do some benefit shows somewhere
in February and the money will go to the foundation.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
-Contributing/donations (money, food supplies, clothes)
-form your local KOOF and inform about situation of your local aborigines.
Therefore we can create a better effective organization that concern about
these problems globally. -Try to inform friends, family that the degrading
of the aborigines is something to be stop. Their hope and the future of
this organization also significantly depend on your contribution and willingness
to help.
Lee Ai
507, Blok 67, Jln Titiwangsa 24/1,
40300 Shah Alam,
Selangor Darul Ehsan,
Malaysia.
brainmistake@hotmail.com
THE SUNGAI SELANGOR DAM
As oppression is legalized, it makes nothing better fot
the 'Orang Asli'. It is evident and it happens through the Orang Asli Affairs
Dept. (J.H.E.O.A) by its lack of concern. 'Orang Asli are becoming more
helplkess and coerced as we continue our vicious vision of nation progressing.
The subject concerning the dam issue is as musch to 'Orang Asli' and their
home as it is to the home of the endangered species as well as the eviroment.
Below we try to discuss, inform and purpose about the topics in details.
WHY DAM?
1. To avert water shortage of two million Klang Valley
residents by 2004, according to the E.I.A (Enviroment Impact Assessment)
report.
2. No rationing. More than 1000 million litres per day
of clean water for everyone.
3. Predictable water supply as it acts as a regulator
between wet and dry seasons.
4. A new man-made lake as a tourist spot
5. The catchment area will be gazetted and activities
there will be stricly controlled than at mere forest reserve.
6. The Youth Training Center at Pertak mt get bigger
and better eqipped home.
WATER NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES.
Klang Valley residents, the ones to be satisfy at the
expense of other namely the 'Orang Asli' and the Sungai Selangor ecology.
Uninterrupted water supply is what the Klang Valley folks demand. The regular
supply for them exceeds and denies consideration and compassion flared
by the fact that the 'Orang Asli' is coerced to move and by the destruction
of their home and plantations. A community in harmony with nature a beautiful
relationship to be plundered and raped by vicious comfort of convenience,
the luxury of water at the turn of a tap of their utmost cozy homes. But
all of the destruction is looked upon as sacrifices by others of them.
Taman Serdang Utama residents association vice-president, AR Subbaraman
said,
that if building of dam is the only way to overcome the problem, the sacrifice
has to be made. Another comment by section 5 resident Derrick Fernandez
was, "We regret that the cost for having normal supply is by chopping primary
jungle and affecting the lives of 'Orang Asli'. Intrustion of lives definately
deprives respect and love. When proclaimation of progression and being
civilized and pr are substantiated by these depravations. Have arrogance
diluted compassion? "The dam is a government project so it must be good
for the people" said one boat operator.
DAMN THE COST.
