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Daily Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri: Table Native Courts Enactment before polls
Published on: Friday, July 18, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 18, 2025 By: Jinni Juanis Text Size: Trevor said NCE is rooted in cultural identity, native customs and indigenous dignity. Tuaran: Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (PKAN) urged the tabling of the Native Courts Enactment 2025 (NCE 2025) to recognise the Native Courts as an equal and functional part of Sabah's justice system. Its Sec-Gen Trevor Maringking said NCE is rooted in cultural identity, native customs and indigenous dignity. Advertisement 'Our party is very concerned over the continued uncertainty surrounding the tabling of the Native Courts Enactment, particularly as the review process by relevant state departments is understood to have been completed and the draft ready for presentation. 'With the current term of the State Legislative Assembly concluding before end of year, the absence of any official confirmation regarding the tabling of the NCE is deeply troubling and unacceptable,' he said. He recalled that in 2024, the Sabah Government publicly announced the establishment of a Native Judicial Department as part of its initiative to elevate the Native Courts to a status equal to the civil and syariah courts. This commitment again was reaffirmed by the Chief Minister during the Kaamatan Festival launching in Tambunan on May 1, where the announcement was met with a thunderous applause. 'Their applause is a clear reflection of the strong grassroots support and the deep cultural importance of the Native Court institution to the anak negeri communities,' said Trevor. However, he said, despite these public commitments, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing and its Minister remained silent. There were no clear direction or timeline regarding implementation of these initiatives, which are evidently in the best interest of Sabah's indigenous population. The proposed NCE aims to replace the out-dated Native Courts Enactment 1992 with a more robust structure, expanded jurisdiction and institutional reforms. 'This will finally recognise the Native Courts as an equal and functional part of Sabah's justice system which is rooted in cultural identity, native customs and indigenous dignity,' he added. Previously, party President Datuk Henrynus Amin had demanded for a clearer legal definition of 'Sabah native,' while Dr Edwin Bosi, the party's West Coast Coordinator, highlighted the alarming condition of the Native Court Training Institute. With this latest call for immediate tabling of the NCE, PKAN continues to push for meaningful institutional reform and rejects any complacency on the part of the Government in this matter. 'PKAN wishes to make it clear: speeches are no substitute for legislation. The empowerment of the Native Courts institution requires legal recognition and not political rhetoric. 'Any further delay or reluctance to table this landmark enactment will erode public confidence and may be perceived as a betrayal of the aspirations of Sabah's indigenous communities,' he stressed. PKAN also pointed to the precedent set by previous administration, which boldly established a Ministry of Law and Native Affairs. Trevor said the party was committed to advocating for such a ministry to be revived by the next government. He stressed that the failure by the current administration to act on its publicly declared initiatives or to match the past government's commitment will be seen as a serious regression in the development of native rights and governance. The party also calls on all native leaders' representatives, especially those from the ruling coalition, that they must unite to honour all publicly announced commitments made by the Government and to fulfil their moral and political responsibility. Trevor urged them to stand with their communities by ensuring that the Native Courts institution is strengthened and legally empowered as promised, especially in this important year. 'PKAN will continue to monitor this matter closely and will not remain silent. 'We will ensure that the voices and aspirations of the anak negeri communities are heard until the Native Courts Enactment 2025 is tabled and passed and the dignity of the Native Courts institution is restored to its rightful place in Sabah's judicial landscape,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah must be consulted regarding Ambalat, says PKAN
Published on: Friday, July 04, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 04, 2025 By: Jinni Juanis Text Size: Henrynus acknowledged that the disputed maritime area in the Celebes Sea is believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves and its future must be determined with Sabah's interests at its core. Kundasang: Sabah can't afford to repeat past mistakes where decisions concerning Sabah's territories and resources or change of boundaries were made by the Federal Government without consultation. Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (PKAN) President Datuk Henrynus Amin said the people of Sabah deserve to be at the table when decisions are made about their future and resources. Advertisement He said this in a statement supporting Dr Raymond Alfred, Chairman of BIMP-EAGA, regarding the crucial need for Sabah's direct involvement in any decisions concerning the Ambalat Block. Henrynus acknowledged that the disputed maritime area in the Celebes Sea is believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves and its future must be determined with Sabah's interests at its core. While acknowledging that this arrangement is for joint management rather than a unilateral cession, he firmly asserted that the agreement must include Sabah's participation. 'It is imperative that Sabah is fully consulted and involved in any agreement pertaining to the Ambalat Block. 'This is because we cannot afford a repeat of past mistakes. The decisions concerning Sabah's territories and resources or change of boundaries were made by the Federal Government without our consultation,' he added. Henrynus' statement followed reports of an agreement between Malaysia and Indonesia to jointly manage the Ambalat Block, announced on June 27. He referenced the regrettable loss of Blocks L and M to Brunei through an 'Exchange of Letters' agreement between Malaysia and Brunei on March 16, 2009. He highlighted that the Federal Government formally recognised Brunei's sovereign rights over these two offshore oil and gas exploration areas without consulting the State Government as part of the resolution of long-standing territorial disputes. He stressed that the cession of Blocks L & M effectively changed the territorial boundaries of Sabah, which should be invalid without Sabah's expressed consent. The Ambalat Block, located off the east coast of Borneo, lies near the maritime boundary between Indonesia's North Kalimantan province and Sabah. Indonesia has historically asserted its claim over Ambalat since 1980, citing the Djuanda Declaration of 1957, positioning the region within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Henrynus emphasized that under international law, there is a growing recognition of the need to consider the interests and will of populations directly affected by boundary changes or resource exploitation. He highlighted the principle of self-determination, asserting the right for local populations to have their desires and interests considered when their future is being decided, particularly in boundary-making. 'The concept of 'Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)' is gaining significant traction in modern international law, especially concerning indigenous lands and resources. 'Although the Ambalat agreement is currently for joint management, any long-term exploitation of these resources must involve consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the State Government. 'Don't forget the right of the and potentially affected local communities to ensure their rights and interests are fully respected.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Urgent need for a clear definition of native: Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri
Published on: Monday, June 09, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 09, 2025 By: Jinni Juanis Text Size: According to Henrynus, thousands of acres have been allegedly granted to 'dubious natives' (those with questionable native status) in several districts in Sabah. Kota Kinabalu: Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (PKAN) has called for a clearer definition of 'Sabah native' similar to Sarawak so as to bring clarity and remove any doubt and ambiguity about the word 'native'. Its President, Datuk Henrynus @ Rinus Amin, also wants an added clause that no native certificates be valid without an 'appropriate declaration by the Sabah Native Court.' Advertisement 'We want a clause that specifically states if evidence emerges that a citizenship or a native certificate was obtained fraudulently, the issuing authority, the Native Court in Sabah, has the legal right to revoke it, and those involved in the fraud face legal repercussions. 'There's an urgent need to resolve this issue because foreigners posing as Malaysian citizens and natives with fraudulently obtained identity cards are illegally occupying native or customary land across Sabah. 'We're getting troubling reports about native land being occupied by newcomers with dubious identity in Ranau, Keningau, Sook, Nabawan, Tongod, Beluran, Pitas, Sipitang, Lahad Datu, and Kalabakan,' he said. He alleged that these newcomers with questionable citizenship are purchasing or occupying these lands and creating new settlements and shifting demographics. Advertisement According to Henrynus, thousands of acres have been allegedly granted to 'dubious natives' (those with questionable native status) in several districts in Sabah. He did not say under which administration this happened but that hese individuals then register as voters, fundamentally altering the political demographics of these areas. He said as many as 500,000 individuals in Sabah may have obtained Malaysian identity cards (MyKad) through questionable means. Currently, the Kadazan Dusun population now stands at only 19 per cent in total. In contrast, another ethnic group has reportedly surged and this raised question of their origin. He said if they are not from Peninsular Malaysia, the conclusion is that they must be foreigners masquerading as bumis to obtain identity cards and subsequently claim rights to Sabah native land. 'The party is also concerned about coastal squatter settlements near major towns, which are populated by individuals of questionable citizenship claiming native status and seeking state recognition for their villages.' He said in Sabah, the primary enactment that defines 'natives of Sabah' is the Interpretation (Definition of Native) Ordinance 1952 (Sabah Cap 64). Unlike Sarawak, which lists specific indigenous races, he said the Federal Constitution for Sabah refers to 'a person of a race indigenous to Sabah,' again deferring to the Interpretation (Definition of Native) Ordinance 1952. He said the status of Kadazan Dusun, Murut and Sungai or collectively Momogun is not clearly defined in Interpretation (Definition of Native) Ordinance 1952. 'This lack of a precise list casts doubt on the validity and relevance of the existing definition,' he said. Henrynus said amendment to the definition of 'native' in Sabah has been a long-standing and complex issue which no state government was willing to take on. He is not sure what is being done by the State Government, but questioned why Kadazan Dusun assemblymen from Star, PBS and Upko who were outspoken on the issue during election, remain muted after the election. He said Parti Anak Negeri will push for the clause to be amended to clarify and establish the status of new migrants from Malaya, the Philippines and Indonesia as non-native. 'The vague definitions and the reliance on native court declarations have allegedly led to instances where individuals without genuine indigenous lineage have obtained native status.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
