Minister: S'wak Native Courts' transformation awaiting legal clearance
KUCHING (May 27): The transformation masterplan for Sarawak Native Courts is unable to proceed at this stage as the draft Bills for two proposed laws are still under review by the State Attorney-General's Chambers.
According to Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, the proposed legislations are the New Native Courts Bill, intended to replace the current Native Courts Ordinance 1992; and the New Native Courts Judges Appointment Council and Native Courts Judges Remuneration Bill, set to govern the appointment and service scheme of Native Court judges.
'The ultimate objective of this transformation agenda is to restructure the current Native Courts and eventually, elevate their status to that of an independent and full-fledged judicial institution on par with the civil and Syariah courts,' he said in his winding-up speech at the DUN sitting yesterday.
He added that this masterplan would be implemented in three phases over the next several years.
'The first phase requires the enactment of new state laws and amendments to existing legislation as the foundation for the restructuring process,' he clarified.
Sikie, the Kakus assemblyman, also hailed the transformation and restructuring of the Native Courts as 'vital' in ensuring that 'justice would be served equitably across all segments of Sarawakian society'.
'Elevating the Native Courts to be on par with the civil and Syariah courts will uphold the dignity of native laws and ensure native communities have access to a competent, professional and respected judicial system.'
He added that until the passing of the new Native Courts Bill in the august House, the Native Courts would continue to operate under the current Native Courts Ordinance 1992 and Native Courts Rules 1993. DUN sitting John Sikie Tayai legal fraternity Sarawak Native Courts
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