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KOTA KINABALU: Two Sabah Native leaders have criticised a proposal by Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation president Daniel John Jambun, calling for Muslim officials to be excluded from the administration of Native Court affairs.

Inanam Community Development Leader Datuk William Majinbon and Native Court Reform Committee member Isaiah Majinbon expressed concern that such rhetoric risks fuelling division and undermining ongoing efforts to modernise the institution.

They reaffirmed support for elevating the Native Court’s status, citing digitalisation efforts under the Sabah Maju Jaya plan, and stressed that reform must be inclusive and based on merit, not religion.

Both leaders highlighted the contributions of Muslim Native leaders to the court system, arguing that cultural knowledge and professional capability, not religious background, should define eligibility.

They also clarified that, unlike Syariah Courts, the Native Court serves all Native communities regardless of faith, and reiterated calls for it to be recognised as an equal judicial pillar alongside Civil and Syariah Courts.