Biar Pete de Bersuara
If maps could speak, what would they tell us? The illustrated book, Biar Pete de Bersuara! (Let The Maps Speak!) is a story about the indigenous Semai people, which focuses on issues revolving around development on their land, and customary land rights. This trilingual children's book was illustrated by Semai artist Bah Saluji a/l Yeok So Alu of Perak, and written by Lai Bwe Yuoong, and was jointly published in collaboration with Malaysian CARE and other partners. The book is said to illustrate the interwoven relationship between the Orang Asli and their customary land - which sadly, in Malaysia, is often encroached upon. We find out more about the Semai community and the book from Bah Saluji, and also from Dr Wong Young Soon, the Executive director, of the NGO Malaysian CARE.