Heavy backlog on NCR cases

KUCHING: The huge backlog on native customary rights (NCR) land cases Sabah and Sarawak makes its imperative that a special court be set up immediately.

Senior NCR lawyer Baru Bian said he had 300 cases parked in Sarawak court alone.

“It’s a tough challenge for the courts here. The special court, if established will allow the cases that have been long delayed trial quicker,” he said.

Bian was commenting on a call by Chief Judge of High Court in Sabah and Sarawak Richard Malanjun. Malanjun had, at the launch of the Sabah and Sarawak Legal Year, recently said a tribunal or dedicated court on NCR had been proposed to dispose such cases in Borneo.

He pointed out that with each year the number of cases were increasing and the situation was “challenging”.

Lauding Malanjum’s view, Bian said it was a relieve to know that the former ‘realised’ the number of cases stuck in court.

“The proposal by Chief Judge of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak (Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima) Richard Malanjum proved he realized many cases of NCR were on hold.

He said, adding that he hoped the state would respond to Malanjum’s proposal as soon as possible.

Bian also suggested that the the state recall judges and senior attorneys who had retired to sit on the special court.

“I have submitted a motion to establish a Land Tribunal in the State Legislative Assembly sessions ago but was rejected, so I am honoured that (Tan Sri) Richard (Malanjum) raised the issue. It is timely,” he said.

-FMT