A special officer representing the Orang Asli community could be appointed at the Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar’s Office without requiring a manifesto commitment, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid said the proposal was brought up by members of the Orang Asli community during his visit to Kampung Orang Asli Tohor today, describing the request as a reasonable step to improve communication with the state government.
“Such an appointment does not require a manifesto. It can be implemented administratively.
“This is a request from the community, and I believe it is reasonable as similar positions have already been established in Pahang and Perak,” he told reporters after the visit.
Also present were Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor, Chennah candidate Siow Kong Choon, Pertang candidate Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, and Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said the appointment would help strengthen direct engagement between Orang Asli representatives and the Menteri Besar’s Office.
He said the arrangement had proven effective in Pahang and Perak, where dedicated representatives were able to convey the community’s concerns and issues directly to state leaders.
“I have also proposed that Johor consider creating a similar position at the Menteri Besar’s Office as the state has a significant Orang Asli population,” he said.
Zahid added that the appointment could be implemented through administrative procedures if BN succeeds in forming the next Negri Sembilan state government.
