Kota Kinabalu: District Chiefs and Native Chiefs have responsibilities beyond customary justice, including serving as “community protectors” under the Rural Administration Ordinance, said Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Arif.
He urged Native leaders to understand the ordinance, particularly Sections 39 to 42, which cover their role in its administration.
Arifin said District Chiefs and Native Chiefs played important roles in Native Courts and customary affairs while also being directly connected to the administration of the ordinance.
He also stressed the importance of understanding the new Native Courts Enactment 2026, which replaces the 1992 enactment after more than three decades.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister Datuk Maijol Mahap at the closing of the Native Court Judicial Workshop Series 2/2026 organised by the Institute of Native Court Training (Ilman), Sabah Native Affairs Department, here, on Wednesday.