Native Court training centre ‘wasting away'
Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025
By: Jinni Juanis Text Size: Pictures show the exterior of the institute that has not been utilised. PENAMPANG: It is a sad moment for natives in Sabah to know that the Native Court Training Institute (Ilman) in Kg Pogun Kibabaig, here, has slowly but surely turned into a 'white elephant'. Coordinator for Parti Anak Negeri West Coast, Dr Edwin Bosi, once again highlights his concern over the beautiful multi-million ringgit facility which is supposed to be the pride of the natives in the State. 'Once a symbol of pride and a crucial centre for the preservation of Sabah's native customs and laws, this facility is now reportedly suffering from severe neglect, slowly turning into a 'white elephant',' the former Assemblyman for Kapayan said in a statement. He recently conducted a personal visit to the institute after receiving many negative feedbacks from the community, confirming his earlier concerns that he 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. From my observation, there was barely any official activity or staff in the premises,' he said. 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.
Advertisement 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.' '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, Dr Bosi noted that the access road to the institute has been repaired and upgraded, eliminating any excuse for staff not to work there. Thus, Dr Bosi made an urgent plea 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 to 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 in Keningau: The respect and preservation of Native Customary Laws and Adat. Dr Bosi questioned why the department in charge of Native Affairs continues to operate from Wisma Tun Fuad, Karamunsing, when such facility exists. He drew a parallel to his own experience as a former civil 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 maximise the use of the facility, Dr Bosi recommended that the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, to consider renting out Ilman's facilities to other departments or NGOs for meetings, conventions and training. The Ministry of Local Government and Housing is overseeing the Department of Native Affairs. He cited the Penampang Health Department as being keen to utilise the building for their training programmes. 'I believe 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,' he added. * 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.
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