Native Law Centre: State Govt serious

DAILY EXPRESS NEWS
08 August, 2008

Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is serious about setting up a law centre or institution for the natives in Sabah in the interest of preserving and conserving its wealth in terms of native customs and traditions. But Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor said a detailed study would have to be carried out before the centre is formed. Such centre, he said, is very important and pertinent to enhance the institution of the Native Court and also the diverse customs and traditions "endemic" to the State.

A law centre or institution for the natives in place, he said, would benefit future generations particularly the natives a great deal. "We do not want native customs and traditions to become extinct because of modernisation," he said when closing the three-day District Chiefs and Native Chiefs Conference at Wisma Muis, Thursday.

Hajiji also said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman had "whispered" to him to pursue this matter, which he believed would benefit the people in the long run. He said the centre would be responsible to document the customs and traditions, history and uniqueness of the various ethnic groups in Sabah.

The materials could then be used as a point of reference or for institutes of higher learning to pursue more in-depth studies about cultures, customs and traditions of the natives. He was responding to the suggestion by Chief Judge for Sabah and Sarawak, Tan Sri Richard Malanjum to set up a Native Law Centre or Institute to provide a platform for the study of native laws and customs.

Malanjum said lately there has been many efforts in the revival of native laws of indigenous people in other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, African states, Canada and even the United States. He said the centre could look into the publication of more reference materials and guidelines for those involved in administering native laws and customs to ensure consistency in the decision of Native Courts even from the same district.

Meanwhile, he said the Sabah Native Affairs Council (Mheains) should be more proactive and also rationalise between the need for academic qualification and background including knowledge of customs and traditions among district chiefs and native chiefs, among others. "Efforts on codification and documentation of the customs and traditions in the State should start now so it can be preserved. "It could also be formalised to meet the needs and demands of native laws," he said.

Also present were Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Ghulam Khan Bahadar, Permanent Secretary Datuk Ujang Sulani, President of Mheains Mohd Suhaili Said, Director of Sabah Native Affairs Office Said Hinayat and Membakut Assemblyman, Mohd Ariffin Arif.