Sabah to open more Native Court leadership roles to women, prioritise merit over politics
by Mariah Doksil · Borneo Post OnlineKOTA KINABALU (Dec 17): The Sabah government will expand opportunities for women to serve as traditional leaders and ensure that appointments of native chiefs are based on credibility and knowledge rather than political considerations, said State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.
Winding up his ministry’s debate at the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, Mohd Arifin said it was timely and appropriate to give greater space to women to serve within the Native Court system, including as ketua adat (traditional chiefs), in line with principles of gender equality and good governance.
Responding to a supplementary question from Inanam assemblywoman Edna Jessica Majimbun (Warisan), Mohd Arifin said the ministry recognised the important role women play in preserving and interpreting native customs and traditions.
“It is only proper that women are given the opportunity to serve as traditional leaders. I am aware of the situation, having previously served as president of the Native Court myself. In my own constituency, several women have already been appointed as ketua adat,” he said.
“I will continue to improve this aspect and increase the number of women in such appointments,” he added.
Edna had asked about the ministry’s measures to broaden the appointment of women in the Native Court, particularly in promoting gender equality and recognising women with deep knowledge of local customs and culture. She also raised concerns over the politicisation of ketua adat appointments.
Mohd Arifin acknowledged public unease over politically driven selections and stressed that the ministry was committed to appointing traditional leaders based on their authority, integrity and understanding of adat, rather than political affiliations.
“The issue of credibility is something I take seriously. Appointments must be made based on merit and standing in the community, not politics,” he said, adding that ongoing reforms to the Native Court system would strengthen professionalism and competence among office holders.
He said the planned review of the Sabah Native Court Enactment 1992, now at its final stage and expected to be tabled at an upcoming assembly sitting, would add value through structured knowledge requirements and specialised training for those serving in the Native Court.
As part of broader efforts to strengthen governance in native affairs, Mohd Arifin outlined several key initiatives under his ministry, including upgrading and rebranding the existing Native Court Training Institute (ILMAN).
This will involve building improvements and the establishment of a board of directors to oversee governance, academic performance, operational management and financial policies, with the aim of elevating ILMAN into a more recognised institution.
The ministry is also moving to establish a Native Court Judiciary Department, alongside continued investment in infrastructure, with nine Native Court buildings currently planned across Sabah under both federal and state funding.
Edna herself made history in 2020 as the first woman appointed as a district chief within the Sabah Native Court system, a milestone often cited as a breakthrough for women’s representation in customary leadership.