Latest news with #NativeCourtEnactment1992
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Kundasang customary book to preserve cultural heritage
Dr Joachim (seated centre) with the customary practitioners present at the ceremony. RANAU (July 12): Deputy Chief Minister II and Kundasang Assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam officiated the launch of the Buku Adat Mukim Kundasang/Pinausok at a ceremony attended by 150 traditional customary practitioners at Puncak Café on Thursday. In his speech, Dr Joachim congratulated the customary chiefs who successfully compiled the traditional customs and practices of the Kundasang community into a book, calling it an important reference for current and future generations. 'In the Kundasang constituency, most sub-districts (mukim) now have their own customary books. This is a significant achievement in our efforts to preserve and document our cultural heritage,' he said. He also expressed appreciation to the village chiefs who were directly involved in documenting the customs practised in their respective villages. According to him, the customary book serves not only as a reference but also as a guide for all villages in dealing with customary matters, including the giving of sogit (customary compensation) and mediation processes, helping to prevent future confusion. On the Native Court, Dr Joachim shared that there is a proposal to abolish the Native Court Enactment 1992 and replace it with a new enactment. However, he said, tabling the new law in the State Legislative Assembly may not happen this year as several aspects still require scrutiny by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. Dr Joachim also stated that all positions related to customary affairs — from district chiefs to village chiefs — will be retained if the current State Government continues to receive the people's mandate in the coming state election. However, he noted that a change in government could result in a restructuring or termination of these positions. 'For me, we respect the decision of the people. I just want to emphasise that the Sabah Maju Jaya Direction is the best so far,' he said. Also present at the event were district chiefs OKK Dominic Ghanie and OKK Muhasip Haji Roman, native chiefs, representatives of native chiefs for the Paginatan and Karanaan constituencies, village chiefs and members of the Stall Operators Association, members of the Kundasang Highland Vegetable Growers Association.
The Star
04-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
‘Real reforms still key to success of Native Courts'
KOTA KINABALU: The move to review the law on the Native Courts should focus on reforming and strengthening its power over customary matters such as inheritance, marriage and native land ownership, says a lawmaker. In welcoming the state government's move to amend the Native Court Enactment 1992, Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said any change must go beyond administrative restructuring and deliver meaningful reforms that uphold the rights and identity of Sabah's indigenous communities. 'The appointment of Native Court chiefs and judges must be carried out transparently, free from political interference, and based on merit as well as deep understanding of indigenous customs,' he said. Without sufficient budget and support, Suhaimi warned, any new enactment risks remaining on paper. 'The Native Courts must be equipped with qualified personnel, proper facilities and ongoing training to function effectively,' he said. Reform efforts, Suhaimi added, must also include open consultations with indigenous community representatives, village chiefs and grassroots leaders who truly understand the realities on the ground, rather than relying solely on top-level discussions.
The Star
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Native court reforms in Sabah must uphold indigenous rights, says MP
KOTA KINABALU: A call has been made to ensure that efforts to amend the Native Court Enactment 1992 deliver meaningful reform that upholds the rights and identity of Sabah's indigenous communities. Welcoming the state government's decision to review the law, Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said reforms must focus on strengthening the Native Court's jurisdiction over customary matters such as inheritance, marriage, and native land. "The appointments of Native Court chiefs and judges must be carried out transparently, free from political interference, and based on merit as well as a deep understanding of indigenous customs," he said. Without sufficient budget and support, he warned, any new enactment risks remaining on paper. "The Native Courts must be equipped with qualified personnel, proper facilities, and ongoing training to function effectively," said Suhaimi. He added that reform efforts must include open consultations with indigenous community representatives, village chiefs, and grassroots leaders who truly understand the realities on the ground. He also advised against using the reform as a political tool during festive seasons like Kaamatan, stating that Sabah Umno will closely monitor the process to ensure it benefits the indigenous population and not just serve as political capital. "Do not change the name and neglect the function," he said.
