PENAMPANG: United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (Upko) suggests a Diploma in Native Law studies be introduced and permanent positions be offered in the Native Courts.
Its President Datuk Ewon Benedick said it would be an important step to empower the Native Court, so it may be on par with the civil and syariah courts.
“When Malaysia was established in 1963, several demands were put forward by the local community, among them land and customary affairs must be respected by the Federal Government.
“This notion should not just be on the Oath Stone that commemorates Malaysia Day, rather it must be empowered and materialised through the Native Court Training Institution (ILMAN), while the Native Court must be raised to the same level as the civil and syariah courts,” he told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of a Leadership Transformation Course for Outstanding Village Heads at the ILMAN Lecture Hall, here, Wednesday.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more Ewon said his party is ready to submit its input and propose study modules to the Native Affairs Department and ILMAN in order to make the Diploma in Native Law studies a reality.
“It involves a discussion process that certainly takes time, but the vision should remain there, which is the Native Court must be on the same level as the civil court and the syariah court.
“This is our way of respecting and appreciating the demands of the indigenous community, as without their support in Malaysia’s formation, there would be no Malaysian nation,” he said.
On community leaders (Ketua Adat), Ewon suggested the establishment of a minimum number of leaders to be trained up to the diploma level in Native Court studies, so they can be granted permanent positions up to retirement.
“For example, if there are 10 Ketua Adat in a district, seven or eight of them can be politically appointed for a term, while one or two of them will permanently remain until their retirement, akin to employees in the civil and syariah courts,” he said.
On constructing more Native Courts in Sabah, Ewon said the State Government and the State Economic Planning Unit will bring the matter to the Economy Ministry, so that it can be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
“As a member of the Federal Cabinet, I fully support the vision and desire of Sabahans that a Native Court building be built in every district.
“This is not something new as under RMK12, court buildings have been built in some districts, and we want it to continue in RMK13.
“Kota Belud is one of those that does not yet have a Native Court building, and it is appropriate for other districts to have it as well,” he said.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
