Sabah Govt Reaffirms Commitment To Empower Native Customary Institutions

TONGOD, May 20 (Bernama) -- Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah continues to strengthen its Native Customary Institutions through improved infrastructure and enhancements to the customary administration system, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda, which focuses on the state’s well-being and stability.

He said this commitment was reflected through the construction of Native Courts in several districts, including Tongod, Putatan, Nabawan, Papar, Tamparuli and Sook.

“The state government is not solely focused on economic and physical development, but also places great importance on strengthening public institutions, including the Native Courts, as a platform to preserve harmony among Sabah’s multi-racial and multicultural communities.

“Efforts to strengthen the courts will continue by ensuring they are supported with clear and sufficient jurisdiction, more modern, systematic and effective procedures in line with current needs, as well as officers with integrity and credibility,” he said when officiating the Tongod Native Court building here today.

At the same time, Hajiji reminded customary chiefs and Native Court personnel to continue improving their performance in managing and resolving complaints and disputes within the native community.

Meanwhile, he said the state government remained committed to ensuring Sabahans have better access to basic facilities, economic opportunities and improved living standards through balanced regional development.

He said Tongod holds strong potential in the agriculture and ecotourism sectors and is widely known as the ‘Heart of Sabah’ due to its central location as well as its rich natural environment, tropical rainforests and unique biodiversity.

The district’s natural attractions, including Imbak Canyon, could attract more tourists and, in turn, help generate economic opportunities for the local community, he added. 

Hajiji was also optimistic that Tongod would undergo a significant transformation should a proposal by the private sector, in collaboration with the state government, to develop a new township on a 1,000-acre site materialise.

-- BERNAMA