COMMENT | From the detailed studies as explored in the first part of this special report, strong evidence has emerged for the relationship between rejected votes and Orang Asli majority areas.

Hence, this should open the discussion of the reasons underpinning the issue and solutions to remedy them.

1. Low literacy rate

From interviews with political workers and activists who frequently interact with the Orang Asli community including PSM secretary-general Sivarajan Arumugam, Pusat Komas’ Faribel Fernandez, Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia activist Yusri Ahon and DAP’s Tanah Rata assemblyperson Chiong Yoke Khong, their answers share a common theme - Orang Asli communities have a low literacy rate.

Man Bakar, village head of Kampung Paya Lintah which is an Orang Asli village in the Jerantut parliamentary constituency of Pahang, echoed similar sentiments.

"That's because they don't know...