MAANS seeks state support to strengthen Native Court

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 14): In a move to uphold the integrity of customary justice, the Sabah Native Customary Community Organisation (MAANS) is seeking state support for reforms aimed at strengthening the Native Court through the formal recognition of certified customary education and expertise.

MAANS president Shalmon Sanangan said the organisation is preparing to submit a comprehensive proposal to the state government focusing on empowering the Native Court institution, including the introduction of a Customary Competency Certificate as a key criterion for appointments.

The proposed requirement would apply to village heads, assistant native chiefs, native chiefs and district heads.

A joint statement issued by Shalmon, and supported by representatives of 29 ethnic groups as well as elders, principals and teachers from the Sabah Native Customary Schools (SAANS), reflects the collective aspirations of indigenous communities across the state.

Shalmon said the Native Court remains a vital institution that embodies the identity, values and justice system of Sabah’s indigenous peoples.

“We believe the Native Court is a critical institution that reflects the identity and customary justice of the native people of Sabah. By sharing our accumulated expertise and best practices, we aim to ensure that the institution remains strong, fair and respected,” he said.

As part of the proposed reforms, MAANS highlighted its long-standing collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) through the Sabah Native Customary School Living Lab, a pilot initiative that has been running for seven years.

The programme focuses on formal and practical customary education and has produced trained and credible customary leaders. MAANS noted that the school is the first institution in Sabah and Malaysia to provide structured education dedicated specifically to native customary law and practices.

Under the proposal, MAANS recommends that the Customary Competency Certificate issued by the school be recognised as the primary pathway for determining eligibility to hold positions within the Native Court.

According to the organisation, the move would ensure that only individuals with proven knowledge and competence in customary law are appointed, elevate the standing of the Native Court to be on par with other judicial institutions, and enhance public confidence in the justice delivered.

MAANS said the proposal will be submitted to the relevant ministries soon to enable the empowerment process to begin without delay.

“This is about safeguarding the credibility of customary justice for future generations while ensuring it remains relevant and respected in modern governance,” Shalmon added.