KOTA KINABALU: Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick has suggested the introduction of a diploma program to study native laws in order to strengthen and uphold the traditional and customary law system in the state of Sabah.
At the same time, Benedick, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, highlighted the need for permanent positions to be created for native courts, similar to the civil and syariah courts.
Benedick reiterated the party’s insistence that the native court institution be given equal status to the other two court systems.
The Member of Parliament for Penampang made these statements while officiating a program for village chiefs in the Penampang district on Wednesday (Oct 25).
Last month, Benedick, who is also the Kadamaian assemblyman, proposed the construction of a native court building in Kota Belud district to ensure that the court has its own facility, rather than relying on the district office. He hopes that this proposal can be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030).
Benedick also emphasized that the demands made by local communities when Malaysia was formed in 1963 were for the federal government to respect their lands and customary laws. “So, my stance is that it should be solidified through Institusi Latihan Mahkamah Anak Negeri (ILMAN), or the native court must have its status elevated,” he said.
“To make the proposal for the introduction of native laws diploma studies a reality, our party is ready to provide input and modules for the course as recommended by the Native Affairs Department and ILMAN,” he added.
“The discussion process may take time, but we must maintain the vision of putting native courts on par with civil and syariah courts,” he explained.
Upko also suggested that, in terms of accreditation for ketua-ketua adat (customs chiefs), there should be a minimum number of individuals required to be trained up to the diploma level in native laws.
“For example, if there are 10 native chiefs in a district, seven or eight can be political appointments based on terms, but two or at least one must be permanent positions until retirement, just like those serving in the syariah and civil courts,” he concluded.
