Regional development in rural Malaysia and the 'tribal question'

Abstract

The main objective of the paper is to examine critically the impact of regional development on the Orang Asli and to explore some of the theoretical implications for the 'tribal question' in Peninsular Malaysia. For the purpose of research, the area chosen is the Pahang Tenggara region, situated in the southeastern part of Pahang state, and occupying an area of approximately 1,000 hectares or 10,000 square kilometers-60% of which is suitable for agricultural development (see Map 1). The indigenous minority who inhabit this region and who are the focus of research are the Orang Asli people of the Jakun group. Prior to the region being systematically developed under the aegis of a Regional Development Authority, namely Lembaga Kemajuan Pahang Tenggara or DARA, formed in 1972, the Orang Asli population was estimated to be about 5,000 living in the 60 or so villages (kampung) scattered throughout the Pahang Tenggara region.