KOTA KINABALU: District chiefs, native chiefs and village heads in Sabah will now have clearly defined duties and face clear grounds for removal under a new law regulating the grassroots leadership posts.
The District Chief, Native Chief and Village Head Bill 2026 was passed by a majority voice vote at the Sabah State Legislative Assembly on Thursday (July 23).
The Bill covers their appointment, functions, allowances, conduct and termination of service.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said the law would strengthen their traditional roles by replacing fragmented administrative arrangements with a clear legal framework.
Under the Bill, the minister may appoint a district chief, native chief or village head based on the district officer’s recommendation.
Appointments may be terminated for reasons including inability to perform their duties, bankruptcy, criminal or native customary convictions, misconduct or no longer residing in the appointed area.
Their duties include representing their communities, helping the government address welfare needs and assisting district officers, government agencies and local authorities.
The law also separates their administrative roles from judicial functions, although they may still assist the Native Court if separately appointed as a Tetua.
“This means they are not excluded from the customary justice system.
“Instead, their involvement will be carried out through a clear and appropriate appointment so that administrative and judicial duties do not overlap,” Arifin said in his winding-up speech.
The Bill also provides for allowances and benefits, reporting duties and restrictions to prevent conflicts of interest.
Existing office-holders will remain until their terms expire, unless their appointments are terminated under the new law.
Arifin said this would prevent sudden vacancies and disruption to district and village administration.
During the debate, Tamparuli assemblyman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau proposed setting up village administration centres across Sabah.
He said many village heads still worked from home, making it difficult to store and hand over official records.
The centres could house village offices, official records, a Native Court hearing room and a development operations room.
“This is an institutional investment that will benefit future generations,” Madius said.
The absence of Kapitan Cina from the Bill also drew attention from Likas assemblyman Tham Yun Fook and Karamunting assemblyman Wong Tshun Khee.
Tham called for a separate Bill to formally recognise and govern the appointment of Kapitan Cina, saying the institution had existed since the British colonial era.
“The government should move with the times by giving the institution proper recognition, empowerment and respect,” he said.
Wong, a former Kapitan Cina, said Chinese community leaders also served as a bridge between the people and the government but were not expressly recognised in the Bill.
He also urged the government to consult residents and elected representatives before appointing village heads and to provide them with sufficient resources.
“If they are only given responsibilities without sufficient allocation or support, it will be difficult for them to help,” he said.
In his reply, Arifin said the government would study the position of Kapitan Cina, although the Bill before the House dealt specifically with native institutions.
He stressed that Kapitan Cina remained under his ministry and had not been sidelined.
Their allowances were raised alongside those of village heads from RM700 to RM1,200 in 2023, while Sabah currently has 184 Kapitan Cina, he said.
