Federal govt to review freeze on Native Certs
Published on: Monday, November 12, 2018
Kota Kinabalu: The Federal Government will review the freeze on the issuance of Native Certificates (SAN), said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong (pic).He said the freeze, which took effect since 1982 during the Berjaya government, had affected the Sino Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) community, especially on the loss of their identity as Bumiputera."The Government is committed to strengthen the legal system and court through the establishment of the Expert Committee tasked to study the necessary improvements on Sabah Native Courts as well as the administration of native customary rights," he said during the Sino KDM Day celebration, here, Saturday. His speech was read by his Private Secretary Hanafiah Sahih Montoi.
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The Government, Liew said, will ensure the rights of Sabah natives like the Sino KDMs are protected as each ethnic group plays an important role in the socio-economic development of the State.Earlier, in a speech, Sabah Sino KDM Association President Datuk Johnny Goh said he appreciated the efforts of the Government to return the "native" status to Sino KDMs."Sino KDMs exist before the formation of Malaysia and prior to the freeze on SAN issuance, we (the Sino KDM community) did not face any problem."However, due to rampant abuse by irresponsible quarters, it was frozen in 1982 and this has affected us since then.
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"As I have stressed previously, the issuance of SAN should not be frozen," he said, hoping that the State Government will render assistance regarding the matter. We hope the Government will protect the interests of the Sino KDM community in the State."Meanwhile, Liew commended the efforts of the Sabah Sino KDM Association on the publication of the Sino Natives in Sabah Inventory book.
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"I was made to understand that the research team for the inventory book spent 10 months to travel around Sabah to gather information."I hope the publication of the book will preserve the cultural legacy of Sino KDMs so that it will not be forgotten," he said.Goh disclosed that the book is in its final stage of editing and expected to be published and marketed by next year."We face an uphill task to complete the publication of the inventory but it is worthwhile as it will become an important referential asset, especially for the future Sino KDM generations."On the Sino KDM Day celebration, Liew said it was a good avenue to further solidify unity among the people, especially among Sino KDMs, in the State."The Government fully supports any programme which encourages unity, moreover when Sabah is known for its diversity in race and culture."The people should realise that unity is a crucial element in ensuring a stable and developed nation," he said.Sabah Sino KDM Association is a non-governmental organisation which aims to protect the identity recognition of Sino KDMs in the State.Since its establishment in 2010, the association has about 30,000 members throughout Sabah.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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