KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Society (SLS) has called for meaningful consultation with customary leaders and representatives of Sabah’s native communities in implementing the reforms under the Native Courts Bill 2026.
Its President Datuk Mohamed Nazim Maduarin said the Society also seeks formal participation in the consultations in its institutional capacity and is ready to provide independent input on court procedures, training and access to justice.
He said SLS recognised the reforms as a significant step towards elevating native customary law and placing it on a more equal footing within the national legal system.
“The establishment of a three-tier structure comprising the Native District Court, Native High Court and Native Court of Appeal, together with the creation of key judicial and administrative positions, gives the Native Courts a clearer and more coherent institutional structure.
“These include the offices of Chief Justice and Chief Judge of the Native Courts, Native Court Counsel and Registrar,” he said in a statement.
Nazim said the move towards merit-based judicial appointments and a clearer separation of administrative and judicial responsibilities were welcome steps that could strengthen public confidence in the Native Courts.
However, he said it remained essential to preserve the role of District Chiefs, Native Chiefs and other customary leaders in upholding the customary laws of their respective communities.
He said the success of the reforms would ultimately be measured by whether people in every district could readily access the Native Courts, understand their procedures and have their disputes resolved fairly in accordance with the living customs of their communities.
The Native Courts Bill 2026 was passed by the Sabah State Legislative Assembly in July.
