On Monday, The Sabah Society took part in a focus group discussion held at Grandis Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, which brought together diverse non-governmental stakeholders from across Sabah. The session examined the feasibility of establishing a Human Rights Tribunal (HRT) in Malaysia and provided a platform for participants to share perspectives, raise concerns, and exchange insights.
A key focus of the dialogue was the challenge of aligning a potential Human Rights legal framework with Malaysia’s existing laws, particularly within the Sabah context. One important concern highlighted was how the jurisdiction of a Human Rights Tribunal might interact with the Native Court system, especially on matters involving indigenous and native affairs.
While the issues discussed were complex, the exchange was both constructive and thought-provoking. Participants agreed that although the establishment of a Human Rights Tribunal could be significant, further comprehensive research and careful analysis would be required before any implementation in Sabah.
The study is being led by Associate Professor Dr. Rohaida Nordin and her research team, who will continue to explore these questions in greater depth.
The Sabah Society values the opportunity to contribute to this important dialogue and reaffirms its commitment to supporting conversations that advance a more inclusive and just future for Sabah and Malaysia.
Prepared by Vynn Suren Edited by Chloe Lee Mei Tchuin
