By Khairul Anuar Muhamad Noh
SERDANG, Nov 8 - The Faculty of Human Ecology (FEM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) launched a book titled ‘Pembangunan Kontemporari Orang Asli’ which touches on contemporary development issues involving orang asli written by several public university researchers.
The book, edited by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarjit S. Gill and Dr. Mohd Roslan Rosnon from FEM, features 14 chapters which contains articles by authors involved in Orang Asli studies.
"It will be a source of reference for university students and various parties in an effort to further analyse issues related to the orang asli community," said Dr. Sarjit.
He said that the book would also enable the mainstream community to better understand the social, heritage and economic issues faced by the orang asli community.
The book, jointly published by the Faculty of Human Ecology (FEM) and UPM Publisher, was launched by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (National Unity and Social Wellbeing Division), Senator P. Waytha Moorthy at FEM here.
P. Waytha believed that the book would trigger a paradigm shift among Orang Asli leaders, especially the youth, in enhancing the development, social wellbeing and progress of the orang asli community.
"UPM welcomes any co-operation with government agencies and non-governmental organisations to ensure the success of the academic discourse. This smart partnership is beneficial for the rebuilding of a more united ‘Bangsa Malaysia'’, said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), UPM, Prof. Dr. Mohd Roslan Sulaiman in his speech.
Prior to the launch of the book, a forum titled 'Managing the Development of Orang Asli Community' was conducted by Dr. Roslan Rosnon. It acted as a platform to discuss various issues and suggestions in the development of orang asli. - UPM
