Orang Asli had important leadership roles and at times even oversaw Malay subjects (Nicholas, 2000: 74–75).

In Negeri Sembilan, the descendants of the Orang Asli, referred to as Biduanda Waris, held an esteemed position in the administration of the region from the 16th century (Nicholas, 2002: 75;Wong, 1975)

Dec1941 - Feb 1942: Japanese invaders swept from Kota Bharu in the north to Singapore
Many individuals and organisations took refuge in the hills and forests.

These crucial twelve years saw the challenge and defeat of the Communist forces which had rearmed and reorganised following their temporary demobilisation after the capitulation of Japan.

The MCP faced the struggle with confidence based upon the support which they had organised, during the occupation, among rural Chinese communities.

After centuries of relative isolation they experienced considerable and often brutal contact with warring factions of outsiders.

Despite unfortunate episodes and bitter experiences, the armed struggle of the emergency brought much benefit to the jungle communities.

The Government, which formerly ignored and neglected them, now took an active and extensive interest in Orang Asli welfare and development.

1957: Federation of Malaya gained independence

1960: Emergency was declared over by the YDP Agong.

The document stipulated "the aborigine being one of the ethnic minorities of the Federation must be allowed on an equal footing from the rights and opportunities which the law grants to other sections of the community"

It was also stated that the goal is "[the] ultimate integration [of the Orang Asli] with the Malay section of the community", but "special measures should be adopted for the protection of the institution, customs, mode of life, persons, property and labour of the aborigine people" (Department of Information, 1961: 3, 5).