The Allyship Continuum: A tool for mapping your
journey towards meaningful indigenous allyship
Allyship begins when we are willing to acknowledge current realities and explore alternative perspectives. It grows on the formation of transformational relationships with the Orang Asli, and thrives when we come together to co-create beautiful, otherwise unimaginable, possibilities. Allies speak up, stand in solidarity with the Orang Asli, elevate their voices, and evangelise allyship with others.
The Allyship Continuum is, by no means, an indicator that one has ‘arrived’. Rather, it seeks to provide a robust assessment of an individual’s journey at any moment in time. It is a lifelong commitment, and the Continuum is an invitation for all Malaysians to deepen their commitment to building a nation that is truly for all.
Level 1: Exclusion
The Orang Asli are systematically unrecognised within socio-economic and political systems. Locally, their identity and culture are consistently excluded from organisational narratives and dismissed as irrelevant to nation-building.
“We never mention or include the Orang Asli in our work – it is unnecessary. When needed, we gladly rely on stereotypes or assumptions instead of engaging them directly.”
Level 2: Extraction
‘Relationships’ with the Orang Asli are transactional and exploitative, serving only non-indigenous interests, such as access to land, natural resources, and knowledge. There is no intention of knowing them as a people, and are often grounded in deliberate deceit.
“We use the Orang Asli for easy access to resources – they are but a means to an end. There is no need for compensation or acknowledgement.”
Level 3: Saviourism
Despite heartfelt intentions, efforts to walk alongside the Orang Asli might unintentionally become paternalistic. Narratives center interventions over people, and perceived needs over the Orang Asli’s strengths. While commendable, this may inadvertently undermine indigenous agency.
“We want to help because the Orang Asli needs us, and we have the power to change their lives. Success is often defined on our terms, and not theirs”.
Level 4: Tokenism
Efforts to include Orang Asli voices on higher societal levels are made, but the Orang Asli’s power remains limited and oftentimes symbolic. Real decision-making power is still held by the majority.
“We give the Orang Asli a seat at select tables in the spirit of inclusion. But these seats are nominal, because it is still difficult for us to imagine a future shaped by shared decision-making. However, we do recognise its importance and are actively working towards realising that.”
Level 5: acknowledgement
Seeds of allyship are sown. The Orang Asli’s identity, realities, and their role in nation-building is acknowledged, but often in private. Some action is taken to translate this recognition into meaningful action, and to directly engage communities – yet hesitation and trepidation remain.
“We recognise that systemic injustices working against Orang Asli exists, and we do have a desire to reach out and explore how we can help. But we are wary of what this might entail, so we take it slow.”
Level 6: building camaraderie
Allyship buds through a genuine desire to listen and understand, with intentional efforts made to engage communities and hear of their lived experiences. Friendship is built on the foundation of trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
“We listen deeply. We are open to questioning our assumptions, holding ourselves accountable, and to effecting change, for the Orang Asli have become our friends”.
Level 7: solidarity
This is a commitment to stand and walk alongside the Orang Asli. Rooted in a conviction of mutual interdependence and the criticality of collective wellbeing, solidarity is a choice to learn, unlearn, and tangibly support indigenous-led movements. Solidarity sustains allyship.
“There is no Malaysia without the Orang Asli – their wellbeing is tied to mine. Supporting them is both a duty and a want, even when it requires personal sacrifice – it is a worthy cause.”
Level 8: Generative Reciprocity
Partnerships with the Orang Asli are grounded in abundance and reciprocity, where the commitment to being an ally arises not only from duty or mutual need, but also from recognising such relationships can unlock new, once unimaginable possibilities that nurtures mutual flourishing. The spirit of allyship is palpable, thick, and very much alive.
“We prioritise our friendship with the Orang Asli, and protect the trust entrusted to us fiercely. Together, we’re creating opportunities and initiatives that advance and facilitate allyship across all layers of society.”
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