Kota Samarahan: The transformation of the Native Court of Sarawak (MBS) is approaching when the Cabinet Paper on the matter is expected to be presented this month.

Former MBS Chief Registrar Michael Dawi Alli said the Cabinet Paper is in the final stages of preparation after a study on MBS transformation was completed and confirmed in January this year.

“ The study was supposed to be completed within nine months but was completed within two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
"Now it will be presented to the government. Cabinet papers are in the final stages.

“If everything goes well, hopefully this month we can see the new ( happy news ). There will then be a Bill (RUU ) and it will need to be tabled in the State Assembly (DUN) before it is realized, ” he said.

He said this at the MBS Chief Registrar Office in the Main Meeting Room, MBS here today.
 
According to Michael, he and the entire team at the MBS Chief Registrar's office have worked hard to realize this.
 
He said, despite no longer holding office in MBS, it was great to see the effort come true.

“ Far in the corner, I'm sure the new Chief Registrar ( Jonathan Lugoh) and the MBS team will be able to make it happen.

“ The stakeholders out there are also with you to see that come true," he said.

He said some of the elements in the MBS system are now from the time of the Brooke.

“This is an opportunity to change the system in line with the current times when the people are becoming more and more concerned.

“ Since we are an independent country, we must move in the circulation rather than static, ” he said.

It is understood that the Minister in the Sarawak Premier Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai will present the paper at a cabinet meeting.

According to a news report on May 24 last year, the bill to repeal the Native Court Ordinance 1992 and the Native Court Rules 1993 and replace it with a new order was originally scheduled to be tabled in the state assembly last November.

The transformation of the MBS and its adoption into an independent judicial system equivalent to the Shariah and Civil Courts will begin after the new Native Court Ordinance is passed in the state assembly.

Meanwhile, Michael eventually retired after six years and two months as chief registrar of the Native Court in addition to marking the end of his 43 years and two months of service in the Sarawak Public Service.

He was appointed chief registrar on March 1, 2017, shortly after his retirement.  He took over from his predecessor Datu Ganie Ugay.

Previously, he was director of the Administrative Unit at the Office of the Chief Minister and held Resident positions in several parts of the state.

Johnathan, who was previously Resident Serian, will take over as head of the new registrar.