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MOYOG Assemblyman Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin proposed that the Majlis Hal Ehwal Anak Negeri Sabah (Mheans) be turned into a strategic think tank for the State Government on native affairs, rather than a body that only gives views when asked.

“I welcome the amendment to Section 4, which expands the functions of Mheans to cover native customary education and customary law,” he said when debating the Majlis Hal Ehwal Anak Negeri Sabah (Amendment 2026) Bill.

“However, I believe the role of Mheans should be strengthened further so that it becomes a strategic think tank for the State Government,” he said.

Donald said Mheans  should always carry out research, provide policy proposals and lead institutional reform, with functions to include drafting long-term policy for native community development, reviewing laws affecting the native community and leading reform of the Native Court.

“The Mheans should not merely give its views when asked but should always carry out research, provide policy proposals and lead institutional reform,” he said.

He said the Sabah Native Affairs Department should remain the implementing agency handling administration and service delivery.

“In short, Mheans formulates policy and gives strategic advice, while the Sabah Native Affairs Department implements policy professionally,” he said.

Donald also proposed widening Mheans membership beyond what is provided under Clause 5 of the Bill, to include representatives from various native communities, customary law experts, academics and youth representatives.

“This combination of expertise will make Mheans more dynamic, credible and able to produce research and policies that truly meet the needs of the native community,” he said.

He also proposed that Mheans prepare a long-term master plan called the Sabah Native Affairs Transformation Blueprint 2035.

“Native institutions are a unique heritage of Sabah that need to be strengthened, not just preserved,” he said.

“I am confident that by empowering Mheans as a strategic think tank and expanding its membership based on expertise and inclusiveness, we can create an institution that truly leads policy research and reform in native affairs in Sabah,” he said.