KUCHING: The state government is continuing to facilitate the transformation of the Native Court into an autonomous and independent judicial institution that is on par with the Syariah and the Civil Court.
Thus, the state government yesterday entered into an agreement with E-Factor Sdn Bhd, a consulting firm, to carry out a study to restructure and elevate the Native Court.
The agreement was signed by the Chief Registrar of the Native Courts of Sarawak Datuk Michael Dawi Alli on behalf of the state government and E-Factor Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Ose Murang.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
It was learnt that through this, the Native Court will be equipped with both legal and institutional capability to meet current needs and future challenges of the native communities of Sarawak, currently forming 75 percent of Sarawak’s total population.
In his speech at the ceremony, Uggah recalled a message from Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during a dinner held to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Chief Registrar’s Office in the Native Courts in August 2018.
“The chief minister suggested that a study be carried out to decide whether land cases come under Native Court or Civil Court.
“Indeed this was a significant milestone as it paved the way for a new beginning for the Native Court.
“After more than 26 years in existence and due to the various challenges in meeting the expectations of the people for fast and efficient service delivery, a proper review of the operations of the Chief Registrar’s Office as just a unit in the Chief Minister’s Office is both timely and necessary,” he said.
Also present at the signing ceremony were Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Assistant Minister of Native Laws and Customs Datuk John Sikie Tayai, Deputy State Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato Gerawat Gala, and State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion.
