JEMPOL: Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor has reminded candidates from all parties to always keep the Orang Asli community in mind.
The Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker said candidates should not only think about the community during election season.
"When you win, never forget them. When we look at statistics, the Orang Asli are the poorest.
"Whatever you promise, deliver it. Don't think about your own benefit. Always emphasise the people," he told reporters after attending a programme at Kampung Orang Asli Panchor here on Thursday (Aug 3).
Mohd Ramli, who is the sole Orang Asli MP in Parliament (Cameron Highlands) also stressed the importance of education.
"Develop your minds and education. This will bring you out of poverty while being able to contribute to the economy.
"To the parents, make a sacrifice. If there is a chance for your children to further their education, allow them to do so.
"If they're not academically inclined, take on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) certification," the Orang Asli Advancement and Development secretariat chairman said.
"Who says the Orang Asli can't be successful? I myself have various academic qualifications and was a former senior police officer," he added.
Earlier in his speech, Ramli said a bridge connecting Kampung Panchor to Kampung Batu Petir had been approved.
"To the future assemblyman here, please look into this and make sure things run smoothly.
"If anyone doesn't do their job, tell me.
"The Orang Asli like to be visited. Go and meet them," he told Barisan Nasional Jeram Padang candidate Datuk Mohd Zaidy Abdul Kadir who was also present.
Infrastructure to provide clean water to five Orang Asli villages in the area was also approved, he added.
Ramli also said that this was due to efforts by Jempol MP Datuk Shamsulkahar Mohd Deli.
"I want to make sure all the Orang Asli villages here have adequate facilities," he added.
Mohd Zaidy will be taking on Perikatan Nasional's Suresh Sreenivasan in a straight fight for the Jeram Padang seat in the Aug 12 state election.
