COVID-19 Vaccination and the Orang Asli: A Critical Discourse Analysis of a Malaysian Government-Owned News Agency

The long history of mistreatment faced by the Orang Asli (Indigenous Peoples of Peninsular Malaysia) raises concerns about how state institutions, including the media, shape public perceptions of the Orang Asli, particularly during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the media’s role in reproducing social power and reinforcing dominant narratives, this study employs critical discourse analysis (CDA) to investigate how the Orang Asli were represented in COVID-19 vaccination-related coverage. Sixteen news articles by BERNAMA (Malaysian National News Agency), a government-owned news agency, were analysed. The findings revealed discourses of positive framing of officials in contrast to the Orang Asli, a focus on the Orang Asli’s behaviour over social determinants of health, and the strong community-centric values held by them. The findings call for addressing systemic barriers to their health. In addition, a review of cultural sensitivity is warranted to ensure future engagement involving the Orang Asli that is based on respect.