Jointly published in 2005 by
Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA), Philippines
PACOS Trust (Sabah, Malaysia)
Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC), Malaysia
Anthrowatch, Philippines
as IWGIA Document no. 113
International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs
Copenhagen, Denmark
IWGIA 2005
ISBN: 87-91563-06-2
ISSN: 0105-4503
115 Pages. Illus., maps
US$ 16.00 / EUR 12.30
Postage:
within Europe: EUR 9.00
to rest of the world: US$17.00
Order the book by sending an email to: iwgia@iwgia.org
Engagement in mainstream political processes and seeking participation in local government is an option increasingly taken up by indigenous peoples in order to regain more control over their lives and their destiny.
This volume presents the result of research on indigenous peoples’ participation in local government in two Southeast Asian countries: the Philippines and Malaysia. The book compiles existing legislation affecting indigenous participation in local government in the two countries, and looks at concrete experiences with local governments. It identifies the problems and constrains for indigenous participation and also looks into indigenous women’s present and potential role in local government institutions.
While there is an underlying common experience of ongoing dispossession, marginalization and weakening of traditional institutions due to state negligence, misguided policies and powerful vested interests, the case studies reveal enormous differences with respect to state policies and the possibilities for indigenous communities to constructively engage in local government.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
A. MALAYSIA
ORANG ASLI
Research Objectives, Concepts and Method
The Orang Asli – Origins and Administration
Results of Field Survey
Opinions of Orang Asli Outside the Fieldwork Area
Views from the JHEOA
Moving Forward
SABAH
Introduction
Methodology
A Note on the Concept of Indigenous Peoples and Local
Government within a Sabahan Context
Basic Information about Sabah
Socio-Political Structure and Governance in Indigenous
Communities in Sabah
Current Government Administrative Set-up and Indigenous
Participation in Local Government
Indigenous Peoples’ Experience with Participation in Local Government
Conclusion and Future Perspectives
References
Appendix 1: List of Respondents
Appendix 2: Introduction to the Study Areas
Abbreviations
B. PHILIPPINES
Introduction
General Situation of Indigenous Peoples vis-a-vis Governance
Case Studies
The Need for Building Good Governance: Issues, Gaps and
Challenges Ahead
Conclusion
Recommendations from the Regional Workshops
List of References and Data Sources
Key Informants