A motion by Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How (PKR) to object to the relocation of the High Court Registry of Sabah and Sarawak was unanimously approved yesterday at the new State Legislative Assembly.
This result was announced at 10pm after a 30-minute debate by Datuk Idris Buang (GPS – Muara Tuang) and Datuk Naroden Majaid (GPS – Gedong).
The federal government’s decision to relocate the High Court Registry of Sabah and Sarawak from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu effective May 1 went viral on April 22.
According to See, the decision was made in contradiction to Article 121(4) of the Federal Constitution which states: “In determining where the principal registry of the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak is to be, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall act on the advice of the Prime Minister, who shall consult the chief ministers of the states of Sabah and Sarawak and the chief judge of the High Court.”
See further stated that the move was made without consulting the chief ministers of Sabah and Sarawak and therefore, is considered as a breach of Article 121(4).
The motion was seconded by Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen and supported by the whole House.
