June 29, 2026
JOHOR BARU – A desire to bring under-represented voices into the political arena has driven Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (Asli) to participate in the state polls.
The party’s sole candidate, Jati Awang, 52, who is contesting the Endau seat in Mersing, said he wants to ensure the indigenous community has a stronger voice in the state’s decision-making process.
“I am a local Orang Asli resident and this is my party’s attempt to enter the country’s democratic system by using the Johor polls as its first test.
“I want to bring the voices of my community to a higher level, especially in the state leadership.”
Jati said his party’s participation is not merely about challenging existing parties.
It is about advocating for issues affecting the Orang Asli, including education, economic opportunities, customary land ownership and basic amenities, he stressed.
“My focus is to ensure more balanced development, create more job opportunities for youths and address long-standing issues faced by the Orang Asli, especially in Endau.
“I hope my participation in the election will mark a new chapter for greater Orang Asli involvement in the country’s political landscape,” he said.
Jati is contesting against Alwiyah Talib (Barisan Nasional), Saiful Nizam Samat (Pakatan Harapan) and Perikatan Nasional’s Hasnul Hakimi Hussin.
The seat has 28,767 registered voters.
Asli’s debut also marks its first official election entry after its earlier plan to contest the Kuala Kubu Baru by-election in 2024 did not materialise.