THE Native Courts of Sarawak are currently facing a shortage of magistrates, with only seven serving officers across various court levels.
Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai said at the end of last year, eight magistrates were no longer serving the Native Courts as their contracts were not renewed due to old age or health matters.
“Their departure has significantly strained the courts’ ability to manage its caseload effectively and maintain efficient service delivery.
“At the moment, the Chief Registrar Office is working closely with the State Human Resource Development and Management Unit to identify suitable candidates to fill these magistrate posts,” he said.
He said this in his ministerial winding up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today (May 26).
Sikie said the main challenges in the recruitment drive is the short contact period, which is only one year currently offered to the magistrates.
“This short contract period is often cited as a disincentive by potential candidates, especially those who have legal qualification.
“In light of this, it is proposed that the new magistrates’ contract duration be revised and be extended to a longer period with the possibility of renewal based on performance,” he added.
