KUCHING, Oct 18 2025: A study on upgrading of the native courts, as a part of the efforts to strengthen the native customary laws, is now in its final stage, Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg has said.
Abang Johari: The framework must be thoroughly refined before the operation of the native courts can be fully implemented
He said a committee is currently reviewing several remaining matters that need to be refined before the full implementation of the upgraded native courts.
“What is important is that there must be reform in accordance with the rule of law. We have also conducted studies on legal frameworks in countries such as New Zealand and Canada, and have sent representatives to develop a legal structure that aligns with what has been practised in those countries.
“This framework must be thoroughly refined before it can be implemented,” he told reporters after officiating at the opening of the 6th triennial delegates conference of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) today.
Earlier his speech, he explained that the effort to upgrade the native courts aims to ensure that issues related to native customary rights (NCR) land can be resolved based on customary principles and laws, rather than solely under civil law.
“Sometimes NCR issues are adjudicated under civil law, and the decisions made do not necessarily align with our customary principles due to the application of civil law.
“Therefore, issues concerning the native communities should ideally be resolved among the natives themselves through a proper and structured approach, so as to prevent any misunderstanding or dispute within the Dayak communities,” he said.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, along with other invited guests.
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