In this perspective, it is difficult to see how the Orang Asli could possibly represent a precious and unique part of Malay culture requiring encouragement and respect in present policies and within the administrative system. But nowadays the recent loss of forested land has forced many Orang Asli communities to have permanent economic relationships with local Malays and Chinese. This same article defines 'Malay' as any person who professes Islam, speaks Malay, lives according to Malay traditions, is born within the Federation before Merdeka Day, and has at least one parent who was born in the Federation. One can only conclude that 'Orang Asli' is not equivalent to 'Malay'. This implies that, in the Constitution, the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia have no special privileges or protection, no clause enabling them to take their future into their own hands.
Official texts assume that each group has a spokesman or headman.
This is far from being the case in these highly egalitarian societies. To conclude , their position before the law is very unsatisfactory even if their status has changed. Today these groups are only just beginning to develop an awareness of the concept of community. The Orang Asli are hardly mentioned in political debates. Attempts to islamize them have lead them to convert to Christianity, hence the brutal destruction of churches despite constitutional freedom of religion.