KOTA KINABALU: July 23, 2026 – The Native Affairs institutions in Sabah need to be strengthened through administrative restructuring, including a review of the title of District Chief, the establishment of a Council of Elders, the appointment of a special Assistant Minister and the provision of allocations for indigenous community development.
Tambunan State Assemblyman, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, said such efforts are important to ensure that the administrative institutions for indigenous communities remain relevant and capable of meeting current needs.
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, among the proposals that could be considered is changing the title of District Chief to District Customary Chief to avoid confusion with the position of District Officer, as the role of the former is more focused on customary administration.
“He is still called District Chief, which is confusing. There is also a District Officer. Perhaps he could be called District Customary Chief because this relates to customs,” he said.
Jeffrey also suggested that the government reassess whether the title of Orang Kaya-Kaya (OKK) remains relevant to the current functions of indigenous community administration.
He also proposed the establishment of a Council of Elders under the Native Affairs Council as a body that brings together experienced figures in customs and traditions to provide advice on indigenous community affairs.
Additionally, he suggested that the government appoint an Assistant Minister with a specific focus on Native Affairs, while also providing allocations for indigenous community development, including training, preservation of customs and culture, customary schools and the strengthening of ethnic associations.
“Not only should we look after administration, but there needs to be a budget for indigenous community development, including training, development of customs, culture and customary schools so that this heritage continues to be preserved,” he said.
He said strengthening Native Affairs institutions is not just about empowering customary administration, but is also important to ensure that younger generations continue to recognise, appreciate and inherit the customs, cultures and traditions of Sabah’s diverse ethnic communities.
