Kota Kinabalu: The institutions of district chiefs, native chiefs and village heads in Sabah now have their own dedicated legislation following the passing of the District Chiefs, Native Chiefs and Village Heads Bill 2026 by the Sabah Legislative Assembly.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said the new enactment provides a clear, modern and structured legal framework to strengthen these community leadership institutions, which have long served as the backbone of grassroots administration among native communities in the State.
“It is timely to establish a specific enactment that provides a clear, modern and organised legal foundation to strengthen the institutions of district chiefs, native chiefs and village heads so that they remain relevant in meeting the State’s administrative needs today,” he said when tabling the Bill.
He said although these institutions have long functioned as a bridge between the Government and the people by conveying government policies, safeguarding community welfare, maintaining peace and harmony, and assisting district administrations, there had previously been no specific law comprehensively governing their appointments, functions, duties, responsibilities, terms of service, conduct and accountability.
Instead, the administration of these positions had relied on a combination of limited legal provisions, government policies, administrative directives and practices that evolved over time.
Dr Mohd Arifin said the enactment was introduced to address the absence of a dedicated legal framework, strengthen governance of the institutions and form part of the State Government’s ongoing reform of native institutions.
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He said the legislation consolidates matters relating to appointments, terms of service, functions, responsibilities, allowances, codes of conduct and termination of appointments under a more organised and comprehensive legal framework.
“This Bill seeks to strengthen the governance of the institutions of district chiefs, native chiefs and village heads through the standardisation of appointment processes, the definition of functions and duties, lines of authority, monitoring mechanisms and accountability measures.
“With clear provisions in place, the implementation of duties can be standardised throughout the State and will no longer depend entirely on administrative practices,” he said.
Dr Mohd Arifin explained that the enactment complements the Native Courts Enactment 2026, which strengthens the native judicial institution, while the District Chiefs, Native Chiefs and Village Heads Enactment 2026 clarifies the status of the three positions as community leadership institutions.
Under the new framework, judicial functions will be carried out by the Native Courts, while district chiefs, native chiefs and village heads will continue to serve as community leaders and assist the Government in administrative, development and welfare matters.
“This clear division of functions will strengthen the governance of native institutions by ensuring that each institution performs its respective roles and responsibilities within the powers provided by law,” he said.
The enactment, which contains eight clauses, also empowers the Minister to appoint, revoke or terminate the appointments of district chiefs, native chiefs and village heads, as well as determine their allowances, benefits and privileges.
It further grants the Minister authority to issue directives and require information necessary to ensure administrative coordination and the effective implementation of government policies.
In addition, Clause 7 prohibits district chiefs, native chiefs and village heads from holding paid positions or engaging in profit-making businesses during their tenure in order to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure they carry out their responsibilities with integrity.
The enactment also contains transitional provisions allowing current office holders to continue serving until the expiry of their appointments or until their appointments are terminated in accordance with the new law.
Dr Mohd Arifin stressed that the Government has no intention of altering or diminishing the traditional status of these institutions, which have long been respected by the community.
“Rather, this Bill seeks to provide clearer legal recognition and a stronger legal foundation for these institutions so that their administration becomes more organised, transparent, accountable and aligned with the State’s future administrative needs,” he said.
He added that with the enactment now passed, the institutions of district chiefs, native chiefs and village heads will continue to be strengthened as pillars of native community leadership and strategic partners of the Government in ensuring more effective service delivery throughout Sabah.
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