Native Courts Bill remains under legal review; next tabling date unconfirmed
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Sarawak’s planned Native Courts legislation is still being reviewed by the State Attorney-General’s Chambers. The existing legal framework remains in force while the proposed changes are finalised.
Minister in the Premier’s Department John Sikie Tayai gave the update after his October 19 winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly. He hopes the Bill can be tabled at the next sitting, but did not confirm that it is ready or provide a firm tabling date.
The proposals form part of a restructuring of the Native Courts system, including replacing the Native Courts Ordinance 1992. Sikie said the legal review is intended to ensure the changes can be implemented and respond to the institution’s current needs.
For people dealing with the Native Courts, the distinction is practical: a minister’s hoped-for timetable does not change the rules governing current proceedings. Sikie said the courts would continue working under the existing framework until the amendments are finalised and brought into force.
The next meaningful milestones are the completion of the legal review, an actual Bill being tabled, and its eventual commencement arrangements. An expected opportunity to table legislation should not be mistaken for a new law already taking effect.
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