18-07-2025
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.
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