Hajiji, accompanied by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif and other guests, performing the launching gimmick of Tongod Native Court Building in Pekan Tongod today.
TONGOD: The State Government continues to strengthen Native customary institutions in Sabah through infrastructure development and improvements to the customary administrative system, in line with the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) agenda which emphasises people’s wellbeing and social stability in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the commitment is reflected through the construction of Native Courts in several districts including Tongod, Putatan, Nabawan, Papar, Tamparuli and Sook, as well as new projects currently in the tender process in Kota Kinabalu and Paitan.
He said the ongoing efforts demonstrate that the State Government is not only focused on economic and physical development, but also places importance on strengthening people’s institutions, including the Native Courts as an important platform to preserve harmony among Sabah’s multi-ethnic and multicultural society.
“Efforts to strengthen the Native Courts must continue by ensuring their jurisdiction is clear and sufficient, while building a strong institutional structure supported by officers of integrity and credibility.
“Improvements to procedures that are more modern, organised and effective must also be implemented in line with current needs,” he said when officiating the Tongod Native Court Building here today.
Hajiji said the State Government greatly appreciates the role of District Chiefs, Native Chiefs, Assistant Native Chiefs, Village Heads as well as all personnel of the Native Courts who serve as an important link between the Government and the people at the grassroots level.
He said these groups play a major role in ensuring that social harmony is preserved, particularly in Sabah which is rich in ethnic, customary and cultural diversity.
He also reminded all customary leaders and Native Court personnel to continue improving their performance in managing and resolving complaints and disputes within the Native community.
“Those holding positions related to customary matters must understand the relevant customs and customary laws,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the construction of the Tongod Native Court Building is highly significant not only to the local community but also to the people of Sabah as a whole, as it reflects the state government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Native customary institutions.
He said the building, which began operations earlier this year, has become an important landmark for Tongod and is expected to enhance the delivery of customary judicial services in the district.
“Customary institutions should not be seen merely as a legacy of the past, but must continue to be strengthened as relevant institutions in maintaining social harmony, resolving customary disputes, preserving community unity and helping to reinforce social stability in Sabah,” he said.
He added that the State Government will continue to ensure that all Sabahans have access to basic facilities, economic opportunities and a better quality of life through balanced regional development.
According to him, Tongod has strong potential in agriculture and ecotourism, and is also known as the ‘The Heart of Sabah’ due to its central location in the state and its rich natural environment, tropical forests and unique biodiversity.
He said the natural beauty of Tongod, including Imbak Canyon, is capable of attracting more tourists while helping to generate income for the local community.
The Chief Minister is optimistic that Tongod will be transformed if a proposal by the private sector, in collaboration with the State Government, to develop a new township on a 1,000-acre site materialises.
