TONGOD: The State Government is continuing efforts to strengthen the Native Court institution in Sabah through infrastructure development and improvements to the customary administration system in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda, Chief Minister Hajiji Noor said.
He said Native Court buildings have been constructed in several districts, including Tongod, Putatan, Nabawan, Papar, Tamparuli and Sook, while new projects in Kota Kinabalu and Paitan are currently in the tendering process.
Speaking at the opening of the Tongod Native Court on Wednesday, Hajiji said the State Government also prioritises strengthening people’s institutions, including the Native Court, as an important platform for preserving harmony in Sabah’s multi-racial and multicultural society.
He said efforts to strengthen the Native Court must continue through clear jurisdiction, strong institutional structures, officers with integrity and credibility, as well as more modern, systematic and effective procedures in line with current needs.
Hajiji also said the Tongod Native Court building, which began operations earlier this year, reflects the State Government’s commitment to empowering the Native customary institution and is expected to improve customary judicial services in the district while supporting social harmony, community unity and social stability in Sabah.