TUARAN: The State Government led by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) finally succeeded in strengthening the Native Courts through the passing of the Native Courts Bill 2026 last July.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said the historic milestone ended the long wait to elevate and strengthen Sabah’s native customary legal system.
The move was aimed at modernising the traditional legal system of the indigenous communities while ensuring that it remained effective, relevant and authoritative in keeping with changing times.
“This effort is also aimed at ensuring that the jurisdiction of the Native Courts is clearer, more structured and capable of preserving and upholding local customary laws,” he said when officiating the Tuaran River Conservation Project and the New Tuaran Town Car Park, Wednesday.
Hajiji said several major reforms were achieved through the new enactment, including a more robust and professional judicial structure.
It was comprehensively reorganised to include the Native District Court, Native High Court and Native Court of Appeal, as well as establishing the posts of Chief Justice and Chief Judge of the Native Courts, Native Court Counsel and Registrar.
“The appointment of judges is now being planned based on merit to ensure a high level of integrity and credibility.
“The reforms also involved a clearer separation between administrative and customary functions and judicial responsibilities.
“However, the traditional roles of customary officials such as District Chiefs and Native Chiefs would continue to be preserved to maintain the customary foundations of Sabah’s communities,” he said.
Hajiji said the GRS Government also allocated funds to upgrade court buildings, including a proposal to upgrade the Sabah Native Judiciary Complex and construct new courts in several districts to support a stronger institutional structure.
The reforms would not only enhance the standing of customary institutions but also represent a critical step towards placing native customary law in a more respected and equal position within the country’s legal system.
He said the GRS Government’s development agenda was never confined solely to physical and material development but encompassed efforts to preserve the identity, heritage and customary legal institutions of Sabah’s indigenous communities.
“Sabah is rich in cultural diversity, customs and the unique heritage of its indigenous communities.
“Therefore, preserving the dignity and sovereignty of customary law is a major responsibility shouldered by the government today,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the opening of the Tuaran River Conservation Project and the New Tuaran Town Car Park demonstrated the State Government’s continued commitment to ensuring comprehensive development, encompassing both modern infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
He said the Tuaran River was one of the district’s important natural assets, not only for its environmental significance but also because it formed an integral part of the lives and history of the local community.
He said the challenges posed by climate change and riverbank erosion required proactive government action.
Therefore, river conservation efforts must be undertaken seriously to ensure that the area remained clean, well-preserved and free from activities that could damage its environment.
The design of the bridge constructed under the project was inspired by the traditional bubu fish trap, a fishing tool closely associated with the lives of the local community.
The Tamu Tuaran Bridge would not only serve as a new landmark for Tuaran town but also connect communities across the river with the Tamu Tuaran area, while facilitating the movement of residents, particularly pedestrians.
On the new car park, he said the facility was provided in response to the rapid economic growth and increasing activities in Tuaran town.
According to him, the growing number of vehicles, particularly on tamu days and weekends, often caused traffic congestion, while the town continued to attract people carrying out their daily activities, including business and commercial transactions.
Hajiji reiterated his call for every district in Sabah to develop and promote tourism products and experiences with their own distinctive identities as part of preparations for Visit Sabah Year 2027.
He said Tuaran had attractive beaches, recreational centres, cultural and natural heritage, as well as economic activities involving agriculture, fisheries and tourism that could be further developed.
