Page 64 - (SSF1033) INTRODUCTION TO MALAYSIAN SOCIAL HISTORY
P. 64
The Relationship between Orang
Asli and various groups
Before WWII The Emergency
The Orang Asli had After centuries of relative
important leadership roles isolation they experienced
and at times even oversaw considerable and often
Malay subjects (Nicholas, brutal contact with warring
2000: 74–75). factions of outsiders.
Indeed, they played an Despite unfortunate
important role in the episodes and bitter
formation of the Melaka experiences, the armed
empire in the 15th century struggle of the Emergency
(Andaya, 2002). brought much benefit to
the jungle communities.
The Japanese
Post Emergency
Occupation 1957: Federation of
The jungle peoples also Malaya gained
became targets for independence
Communist propaganda 1960: Emergency was
Members of the MPAJA declared over by the YDP
carefully nurtured Agong
friendships with the But despite these, until
Orang Asli and they even today, the Orang Asli
went as far as to protect continue to be one of the
the jungle peoples from most marginalised groups
the attacks of bandits and in Malaysia.
Japanese troops.
