The new director-general of the Orang Asli Affairs Department is under no illusions about the size of the task ahead of him.

Even if Juli Edo had been, the tragic deaths of 15 Orang Asli villagers in Kampung Kuala Koh in Gua Musang, Kelantan, have brought into focus the sort of challenges his office is facing.

In written replies to questions from Malaysiakini, the former academician explained why he took on what is arguably one of the most difficult jobs in the country...