KUCHING: The Sarawak government’s study to upgrade the Native Customary Court is now in its final stage, as part of efforts to strengthen the justice system rooted in local customs and traditions.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the committee in charge is currently reviewing several remaining matters that need to be refined before the full implementation of the court’s upgrading process.

“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 explained.

He said this when speaking to reporters after officiating at the opening of the 6th Triennial Delegates Conference of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) here on Saturday.

Earlier, in his address at the same event, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari explained that the effort to upgrade the Native Customary Court 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 misunderstandings or disputes within the Bumiputera or Dayak communities,” he said.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, along with other invited guests. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Jonnie Kiew
Photo: Ibanez Jeffery