Table enactment to strengthen Native Court institution - Anak Negeri
TUARAN (June 26): Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri expresses deep concern and growing frustration over the continued uncertainty surrounding the tabling of the Native Courts Enactment 2025 (NCE), 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 Sabah State Legislative Assembly expected to conclude by the end of this year, and only one more sitting scheduled in July, the absence of any official confirmation regarding the tabling of the NCE is deeply troubling and unacceptable.
'It must be 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 was reaffirmed by the Chief Minister during the Kaamatan Festival in Tambunan on 1 May 2025, where the announcement was met with thunderous applause – 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 Maringking, Secretary-General of Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri.
Despite these public commitments, the Ministry of Local Government and Housing and its minister remain silent, with 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The proposed NCE aims to replace the outdated Native Courts Enactment 1992 with a more robust structure, expanded jurisdiction, and institutional reforms that will finally recognise the Native Courts as an equal and functional part of Sabah's justice system – rooted in cultural identity, native customs and indigenous dignity.
Previously, Anak Negeri 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 urgent call for immediate tabling of the NCE, Anak Negeri continues to push for meaningful institutional reform and rejects any complacency on the part of the government in this matter.
Trevor further emphasised:
'Anak Negeri wishes to make it clear: speeches are no substitute for legislation. The empowerment of the Native Courts institution requires legal recognition – 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.'
Anak Negeri also points to the precedent set by previous administration, which boldly established a Ministry of Law and Native Affairs. The party is committed to advocating for such a ministry to be revived by the next government. 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 to stand with their communities by ensuring that the Native Courts institution is strengthened and legally empowered as promised especially in this important year.
'Parti Anak Negeri 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,' added Trevor.
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