Sabah's Native Court Training Institute risks becoming 'white elephant'
PENAMPANG (June 18): Parti Anak Negeri coordinator for the West Coast, Dr Edwin Bosi, has expressed profound dismay over the current state of the Native Court Training Institute (Institut Latihan Makhamah Anak Negeri Sabah – ILMAN) in Kampung Pogun, Kibabaig, Penampang.
Once a symbol of pride and a crucial centre for the preservation of Sabah's native customs and laws, the multi-million Ringgit facility is now reportedly suffering from severe neglect, slowly turning into a 'white elephant.'
Dr Bosi revealed that he recently visited the Institute following negative feedback from the community, confirming his earlier concerns raised months ago.
'It is a sad moment for natives in Sabah to know that ILMAN is slowly but surely turning into a white elephant,' he stated in a statement on Wednesday.
ILMAN, a grandiose and majestic building, was established years ago as a result of a Federal Government initiative around 2009-2010 to study and upgrade the Sabah Native Court. It was envisioned as a vital centre for studies, research and training, reflecting the historical importance and relevance of Sabah's native customs, laws, and 'adat.'
However, Dr Bosi's recent observations paint a grim picture.
'From my observation, there was barely any official activity nor staff in and around the building,' he reported. 'The buildings are showing signs of neglect and no landscaping at all. I was informed that the floor tiles and glass panels are cracking while toilets on the ground floor are blocked and dysfunctional.'
Despite this alarming scenario, he noted that the access road to the Institute has been repaired and upgraded, eliminating any excuse for staff not to work there.
Dr Bosi made an urgent appeal to the government to restore ILMAN to its intended purpose.
'I am appealing to the government to return this building to its rightful place, an institute for customary laws and adat to study, research and train natives in respecting and preserving this unique institution,' he urged.
He also reminded the government of one of the guarantees enshrined in the Oath Stone at Keningau: the respect and preservation of native customary laws and adat.
Expressing his shock, the former Kepayan assemblyman questioned why the government department in charge of native affairs continues to operate from Wisma Tun Fuad, Karamunsing, when such a purpose-built facility exists.
He drew a parallel to his own experience as a former government servant, where departments like the veterinary services had their own dedicated offices across the state, even if not as grand as ILMAN.
To prevent further deterioration and maximize the use of the facility, he recommended that the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, which oversees the Department of Native Affairs, consider renting out ILMAN's facilities to other departments or NGOs for meetings, conventions and training.
He cited the Penampang Health Department as being keen to utilize the building for their training programs.
Dr Bosi believes that with continuous activity, ILMAN could also become a point of interest for tourists, allowing them to not only admire the building but also learn about the natives of Sabah.
'I believe the Minister of Local Government and Housing can make ILMAN a historical and prestigious Institute if he so wants and desires,' Dr Bosi concluded, emphasizing the potential of this neglected institution.
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