KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Baháʼí News: In a historic gathering described as the first of its kind, the Malaysian National Baháʼí Centre welcomed ten “tok batin” (traditional chiefs from Orang Asli villages), in addition to six representatives on behalf of other village leaders. This three-day conference was not merely an ordinary meeting; rather, it was an opportunity to reimagine leadership itself as a sacred service.
Members of the Malaysian National Baháʼí Spiritual Assembly received the chiefs in a dignified ceremony, placing traditional straw-woven crowns (“tempok”) upon their heads. This humble gesture embodied the spirit that animated this gathering: redefining leadership as a sacred trust, and an act of humble service guided by the principle articulated by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá that “every person should strive to serve humanity.” This gathering, jointly organized by the Spiritual Assembly and the Central Regional Baháʼí Council, arose from a deep understanding that sustainable village development requires more than just individual leadership; it requires coordinated efforts from institutions, the community, and individuals.
A Heavy Responsibility, Shared
The “tok batin” hold a unique position in Malaysian society. Their authority is at once formal and deeply personal, touching every dimension of village life. However, as Dahali Bah Nanep, tok batin of Berindu village, stated: “Sometimes it feels like I am alone against forces too large to move and separated by vast distances from others who might share similar challenges.” This sense of isolation was a recurring theme throughout the conference. Through candid and heartfelt consultations, these village leaders discussed the daunting issues facing their communities—land encroachment, environmental degradation, inadequate schooling, and social ills such as substance abuse and early marriage—which cast long shadows on the lives of the inhabitants. Despite these challenges, a spirit of hope prevailed, stimulated by examples of community resilience and grassroots initiatives, where increasing numbers of individuals—from children and youth to parents and elders—are applying spiritual principles to address the realities of daily life.
Listening to the Future: Youth Empowerment and the Baháʼí Role
The Central Region of Malaysia presents a unique landscape where a growing number of people in Orang Asli villages are embracing a vibrant and transformative pattern of Baháʼí life. In these communities, Baháʼí agencies and institutions—such as the Central Regional Baháʼí Council—collaborate with traditional leadership structures to create spaces for genuine consultation and to cultivate unified action. In Orang Asli villages, an increasing number of people are drawing on Baháʼí principles, such as consultation and the oneness of humanity, to build resilient communities that can collectively address the challenges of daily life. Youth participants significantly enriched the consultations, emphasizing how Baháʼí moral and spiritual educational programs practically shape community action. Syazira, a youth from Chang Lama village, explained the power of these moral educational programs in fostering harmony: “I live in a community with people from different backgrounds and faiths, and I am learning to work with all people regardless of their beliefs, especially through service projects.” She described a simple yet impactful service project carried out by a few other youth in which they delivered accumulated mail within the village, nurturing trust and unity. Suhairy, another young person from Chang Lama, shared how moral education programs informed his sense of purpose, saying, “I’ve learned to better understand the reality of my community. I’ve learned qualities necessary for meaningful service and how spiritual teachings inspire tangible action.”
Fostering Collaborative Leadership and Cultivating a Culture of Hope
A spirit of shared purpose and collective responsibility permeated the gathering, made more powerful by the experience of coming together. In sessions punctuated by prayers and the display of traditional arts, the “tok batin” reflected on the principle that progress—whether material or spiritual—cannot rest on a single pair of shoulders. Bah Sari Bah Isap, tok batin of the Ngening village, expressed a sentiment felt by many: “This gathering has uplifted our spirits and reminded us that we are not working in isolation but as part of a large family striving together for the betterment of society.” Lim Soon Kam, Chair of the Baháʼí Spiritual Assembly, expanded upon this theme in his keynote address: “True leadership does not originate from individual power but from humble service—a commitment to humanity grounded in justice, equality, and oneness.” The gathering emphasized how traditional leadership structures, Baháʼí agencies and institutions, the community, and individuals can all work together to strengthen their villages. Rather than replacing existing authority, the aim is to create complementary relationships based on trust that multiply the capacity for positive change. In an inspiring moment, participants shared their aspirations for their “dream village”—a place where self-sufficiency, collective advancement, material and spiritual education, and places of worship form the bedrock of community life. Dr. Lim added: “You stand between tradition and progress, and you can help shape a future society that is aligned with its rich cultural heritage and also with the needs of an ever-advancing world.” He encouraged the “tok batin” to embrace their roles not only as “custodians of the past, but as designers of the future.” Reflecting on the gathering, Idayu Yusof, Secretary of the Central Regional Baháʼí Council, stated: “This conference affirmed a profound truth: that recognizing the nobility and inherent capacity of every individual empowers entire communities to take charge of their own development.” Ms. Yusof added: “It reminds us that real transformation emerges not merely from external initiatives, but from profound internal shifts in the way we work together and serve one another.” The “tok batin” expressed determination to continue these conversations, recognizing that the challenges they face require sustained collaboration rather than isolated efforts. Many expressed a desire to meet annually, creating ongoing opportunities for collective learning and advancement of thought. …More
Article Author:
Monir Erfani
Journalist and Translator
ABN Baháʼí News Foundation
Contact: monir@abnnews.net
.Baháʼí News, Malaysian National Baháʼí Centre, Tok Batin, Orang Asli tribal chiefs, Malaysian National Baháʼí Spiritual Assembly, Central Regional Baháʼí Council, consultations, village development (material and spiritual), moral and spiritual education programs, community service projects, Syazira, Suhairy, Lim Soon Kam, Chairman of the Baháʼí Spiritual Assembly, Idayu Yusof, Secretary of the Baháʼí Council, cooperation between traditional and Baháʼí institutions, abandonment of prejudices, equality between men and women, harmony between science and religion, independent investigation of truth, planning for the future.
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