KOTA KINABALU: 23 July 2026 – The state government has been proposed to revive the Sabah Native Court Training Institute as an official training centre for District Chiefs, Native Chiefs and Village Heads, in order to produce more competent and principled community leaders.
Moyog State Assemblyman, Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin, said the government does not need to build a new institution, but should instead make use of existing buildings and facilities that were already developed using public funds.
He was speaking while debating the District Chiefs, Native Chiefs and Village Heads Bill during the Sabah State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
According to him, the institute could serve as an official training centre to equip District Chiefs, Native Chiefs and particularly Village Heads with the necessary knowledge and skills before assuming their posts.
“Rather than building a new institution, it would be better to refurbish and fully utilise the buildings and facilities that were built using public money as an official training centre for District Chiefs, Native Chiefs and especially Village Heads,” he said.
Donald said training should not be limited to the period before appointment only, but should be conducted on an ongoing basis, covering aspects such as administration, Native Court procedures, customs and traditions, integrity, community leadership, disaster management, conflict resolution and the use of digital technology.
“In this way, we not only avoid wasting public assets, but also produce more competent and principled community leaders,” he said.
He said the move would help strengthen community leadership institutions in Sabah, while ensuring that District Chiefs, Native Chiefs and Village Heads can carry out their responsibilities more effectively in line with current needs.
