‘Time we made the voice of the Orang Asli heard loud and clear’

KUALA LUMPUR: The first woman from the Semai tribe to contest in an election, Teratai Bah Arom, wants to be her community’s voice in the state assembly.

The 42-year-old, who brings with her vast experience in community programmes for the Orang Asli, is contesting the Chenderiang state seat in Perak as an Independent in GE15.

She said she wants their opinion to matter in political decisions that affect the community, such as land issues and Orang Asli affairs.

“It is time that we make the voice of the Orang Asli heard in the state legislative assembly so that our wishes reach the highest level that makes decisions about the welfare and affairs of the Orang Asli.

“We want to be there when important decisions affecting the Orang Asli are made at the state government level because we know what is needed and what we (the Orang Asli) want,” she told Bernama.

Teratai said the encouragement of her family and the local community were among the factors that motivated her to contest in GE15.

“So far, the feedback I have received during the campaigning period has been very good, with many supporting my efforts. The Orang Asli people here want an elected representative who speaks for them in the state assembly.

“The first thing I will do if elected for Chenderiang is to provide the best service and a high level of commitment to my community and all the residents of Chenderiang,” said Teratai, who is also the managing director of Seto Semai Resources.

Choosing to run as an Independent and not be tied to any political coalition, she said, would make it easier for her to solve people’s problems on her own.

When asked what advice she would give to young Orang Asli who want to follow in her footsteps and run in the next general election, Teratai said the most important thing for them is to continue their studies to the highest level.

“I will continue to encourage them to pay attention to their education, to study, and not to give up on their studies because, with education and strong effort, we will earn our living,” said the holder of a degree in commerce studies from Universiti Teknologi Mara.

In GE14, Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, who contested on the Pakatan Harapan ticket, won in a three-cornered clash in Chenderiang, defeating Barisan Nasional and PAS candidates.

He obtained 7,662 votes to win by a majority of only 39 votes.

In GE15, Teratai is up against Mhod Yunus Mhd Yusop (Perikatan Nasional), Ahmad Tarmizi Mohd Ghazali (Warisan), Mohd Amin Man (Pejuang), Atyrah Hanim Razali (Pakatan), Chong Shin Heng (Barisan) and Azrul Azmi Yaziz (Independent).

Based on the latest Election Commission data, there are 30,006 voters in the constituency.