TUARAN – Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (PKAN) has intensified calls for the Sabah government to table the Native Courts Enactment 2025 (NCE 2025) ahead of the upcoming state elections, warning that further delays would betray indigenous communities' aspirations.
Urgent Need for Judicial Equality
PKAN Secretary-General Trevor Maringking stressed that the proposed enactment seeks to:
- Replace the outdated 1992 Native Courts Enactment
- Grant Native Courts equal status with civil and syariah courts
- Strengthen the courts' jurisdiction and institutional framework
"The draft is ready, the review process complete – yet there's no confirmation of tabling before the Assembly's term ends," said Trevor, expressing frustration over the government's silence despite its 2024 pledge to establish a Native Judicial Department.
Broken Promises, Eroding Trust
The party highlighted:
✔ Chief Minister's May 1 Kaamatan Festival pledge in Tambunan, which drew thunderous applause from natives
✔ Zero follow-up from the Ministry of Local Government and Housing
✔ No clear timeline for reforms despite completed groundwork
"Speeches aren’t legislation. Empowerment requires legal recognition, not rhetoric," Trevor asserted, recalling PKAN President Datuk Henrynus Amin’s earlier demand for a clearer ‘Sabah native’ definition and Dr. Edwin Bosi’s warnings about the dilapidated Native Court Training Institute.
A Call to Native Leaders
PKAN urged ruling coalition representatives to:
- Unite in demanding the NCE’s tabling
- Fulfill their moral and political duty to indigenous constituents
- Revive the Ministry of Law and Native Affairs, as done by past administrations
"Failure to act is a regression in native rights," Trevor warned, emphasizing that the current government’s inaction falls short of previous commitments.
Vigilance Until Justice is Served
PKAN vowed to monitor the issue closely, ensuring native voices aren’t ignored:
"We won’t stay silent until NCE 2025 is passed and Native Courts regain their rightful place in Sabah’s judiciary."