KOTA KINABALU: The State Government is working to strengthen the Native Court with clear and adequate jurisdiction, a robust institutional structure, and officers of integrity and authority, including modern, orderly and effective procedures, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said.
He said that for this year the government, through the Sabah Native Affairs Department, had allocated RM84.40 million for operating expenditure and programmes to safeguard the welfare and customs of native communities.
Of the allocation, RM69.98 million is for allowance payments and administrative expenses for State Native Chiefs, while RM2.70 million is for continuing the construction of Native Court projects in Tamparuli, Sook and Paitan.
Hajiji said laws governing native customs should be reviewed and refined in line with current needs, noting that some legislation dates back to the colonial era and was enacted in circumstances very different from present-day Sabah.
He said strengthening native law and the justice system was a step forward to ensure justice remains relevant without sacrificing Sabah’s identity and heritage.
Hajiji made these remarks in a speech delivered by Deputy Chief Minister cum Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam at the “Empowering Native Justice – The Way Forward” seminar here on Saturday.