KUCHING: The one-year contract Sarawak is offering Native Court magistrates is a hurdle in attracting candidates to fill vacancies, says Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai.
"A contract period of only one year has been a constraint in recruitment efforts, particularly in attracting candidates with legal qualifications and appropriate experience," he told the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Monday (Oct 19).
Sikie, who oversees regional administrative matters and native affairs and customs, said the government is now considering a request for the contract period for newly-appointed magistrates to be extended to three years.
The contract could be renewed subject to satisfactory performance, he added.
"This extension will help attract and retain qualified candidates, guarantee the continuity of judicial services and support effective case management and access to justice within an appropriate timeframe,” Sikie said when winding up the debate on matters related to his ministry.
He told lawmakers that at the end of 2024, eight District Native Court magistrates had left following the non-renewal of their contracts due to age or health factors.
The eight vacant positions have yet to be filled, he said.
On top of that, Sikie said seven vacancies in the Resident Native Court have yet to be filled.
Despite the handicap, he said four District Native Court magistrates, two Resident Native Court magistrates and the president of the Native Court of Appeal have managed to resolve 7,326 backlogged cases.
These cases have been registered since 2020.
"This effort is carried out continuously through more effective case management and coordination, despite facing the challenge of a limited number of magistrates," he said.
