The proposed amendment is expected to be tabled in Parliament by 2027 at the latest, said Ramli, Bernama reported.

Ramli, who is deputy speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, said the proposed amendment would place the duty of taking care of the Orang Asli in the same constitutional schedule, “meaning both the federal and state governments must be responsible, because there are many issues, like land, forestry and the community’s welfare”.

Ramli said discussions were ongoing with the Orang Asli community and NGOs in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Perak and Kedah.

Positive feedback had been obtained, he said.

“After the consultation is completed, the matter will be brought to the prime minister and then tabled in Parliament before the parliamentary term ends,” he told reporters at a gathering of Orang Asli village elders and village development and safety committee heads here today.

He said the discussions also involved Article 153 of the Federal Constitution which provides for the protection of Bumiputera and peribumi community interests in Sabah and Sarawak.