By Amanda L.
KUCHING, Oct 18: The proposed upgrading of the Native Court system in Sarawak is now in its final stage of discussion, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking to reporters after officiating [Parti Rakyat Sarawak’s (PRS) 6th Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC)] held at a local hotel here today, Abang Johari said there are several aspects currently being carefully reviewed before the proposal is finalised.
“They are now in the final discussion stage and are taking into account various aspects that must be refined in our effort to elevate the Native Court system,” he said.
He added that the reform will be developed in line with the State’s legal framework and informed by comparative studies carried out in countries such as New Zealand and Canada.
“The new system, which will see judges drawn from law faculties trained in this area of law, is now being refined before its finalisation,” he noted, adding that further details will be announced once discussions are completed.
During his speech earlier, Abang Johari said the study on upgrading the Native Court is being carried out among Dayak leaders in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), with Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai leading study visits to New Zealand and Canada to examine their indigenous legal systems.
He said the goal is to establish laws that regulate adat matters, ensuring that issues such as native customary rights (NCR) can be resolved according to traditional principles rather than civil law.
“Sometimes NCR cases are decided under civil law, and the outcomes may not reflect our adat. That is why we want Bumiputera matters to be settled within the community through a regulated approach,” he explained.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak are expected to be involved through their law faculties in developing the framework and training future judges. – DayakDaily
