MONDAY, 02 SEPTEMBER – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) through its Kadazandusun Chair School of Social Science (SSS) and the Native Customs and Mediation Centre (PUSAKA) organised a symposium on Sabah Native Customary Rights for the second time starting today.

The event which was attended by native leaders from all around the districts was officiated by the Chief Judge/Presiding Judge, Native Court of Appeal, High Court of Sabah and Sarawak, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Richard Malanjum.

In his speech, he said the use of the term ordinance should be reviewed so that its definition would be understood clearly and suitable for the present day use.

According to him, the shortage in reference materials has a negative implication from society’s point of view hence the organising of this symposium to discuss issues relating to the Native Court.      

“For example, the use of the word ‘Native’ might not be relevant now, instead the word ‘indigenous’ could be used as an international term to refer to the original community of a certain place,” he said.

Also present were the Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah, Sabah State Attorney-General , Datuk Hajah Mariati Robert, Dean of the School of Social Science, Prof. Dato’ Mohd. Hamdan Hj. Adnan and UMS Kadazandusun Chair, Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Pugh-Kitingan. - FL

 
By Faezah Mohamad Dun
Photo: Ernest Berinus

                                                                                                                                                                  Chancellery Department