TAMBUNAN: The Native Courts institution must continue to be strengthened to ensure customary laws, the judicial system and the administration of Native affairs remain relevant and responsive to the needs of the community, said Keningau MP and Tambunan Assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan.
He said customary laws and traditions had served as the foundation of local community life long before the introduction of the modern legal system.
“Adat and traditions were the laws upheld by our communities in maintaining harmony between individuals, families and society,” he said.
Jeffrey was speaking when officiating the 2026 Tambunan Native Court Family Day at the Native Court building compound here yesterday.
He said strengthening the Native Courts would include a clearer separation between judicial functions and administrative duties involving Native affairs at the grassroots level.
According to Jeffrey, training would be provided for those who would serve as Native Court judges, while those appointed to perform judicial functions would no longer be required to undertake administrative duties as they had done previously.
He said the development was in line with the Native Courts Bill 2026, which was passed by the Sabah Legislative Assembly on July 22.
The Bill, debated by 12 assemblymen before being passed, introduces changes to the structure and administration of Sabah’s customary justice system.
Jeffrey also said he had taken note of requests for the establishment of traditional houses, traditional halls or adat halls in every mukim in Tambunan. He described the facilities as necessary and said implementation would be carried out in stages.
He was also informed of the need for a vehicle for the Tambunan Native Court. Jeffrey said the matter would be discussed with the Government to seek a solution.
Meanwhile, Tambunan District Chief OKK Philip Datuk Kitingan said the Family Day was more than a gathering, as it also provided an opportunity to strengthen ties among Native Court personnel, Native Chiefs and their respective families.
He said the Native Court played an important role in preserving, protecting and upholding the laws and customs of the indigenous community.
“This responsibility requires cooperation, wisdom, integrity and commitment from all parties to ensure every entrusted duty is carried out in an orderly and effective manner,” he said.
The event also featured a seven-time gong-beating ceremony by Jeffrey, followed by the presentation of a souvenir to the guest of honour and certificates of appreciation to Native Chiefs, represented by one Native Chief from each mukim.
The Family Day programme also included a gift exchange, traditional gong performances by Native Chiefs from the various mukim, lucky draws, singing performances and stage entertainment.
This year’s celebration carried the theme “Adat Dijunjung, Keluarga Disanjung, Keharmonian Dikecapi Bersama” (Upholding Customs, Cherishing Family, Achieving Harmony Together).
In his closing remarks, Jeffrey called on the community to continue preserving its customs and culture so they would remain strong and could be passed on to future generations.
Pix1 – Dr. Jeffrey performing the ceremonial seven-time gong strike2 – Presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to a Native Chief, witnessed by OKK Philip Datuk Kitingan