Kota Kinabalu: Efforts are underway to reform the Sabah Native Court system to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam said a preliminary report has been prepared by the Sabah Native Affairs Council, under the leadership of Dr Benedict Topin, but stressed that it is still in the early stages and requires further refinement.
Advertisement“They still have to work on it. We cannot rush this process; it needs to be properly studied first, especially regarding the functions of native customary leaders,” he said when asked about the progress of the Native Court reform at the PBS Chinese New Year Dinner 2025 at Hakka Hall.
He noted that the Sabah Native Court system, which was introduced by the British, requires significant updates.
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Dr Joachim also addressed concerns over the composition of judges in the Native Court, clarifying that it has always included both Muslim and non-Muslim judges.
AdvertisementHe acknowledged that different cultural practices exist within the system, such as the concept of Sogit (traditional penalty and compensation ritual), which is primarily observed in non-Muslim areas.
“The Muslim areas have their own native courts, and that is very common. The system of Adat (customary laws) has always been there. What is good for us, we will adopt,” he said.
AdvertisementIn another development, Dr Joachim has assured that the State Government is actively working to address the issue of stray dogs across the State.
He said this when asked about the recent incident involving a woman believed to be in her 60s who was reportedly died after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs near the terminal bus in Kunak,
While he has yet to receive an official report on the said incident, he said efforts are ongoing to manage the stray dog population, particularly through collaboration with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
“We have had a series of meetings with SPCA to examine the problem. This is something we must tackle together. We cannot allow stray dogs to roam freely without control,” he said.
Dr Joachim emphasised the importance of humane methods in dealing with stray animals, acknowledging concerns raised by animal welfare groups.
“I agree with SPCA that whatever actions we take must be in line with ethical and humane considerations.
“We are also taking into account the sensitivity surrounding animal welfare,” he added.
The Government is currently reviewing the best approach to managing the issue while ensuring public safety and animal welfare are balanced.
