MOHD Shafie Apdal has welcomed the restorative justice programme to resolve legal disputes.

The Sabah chief minister said the programme will help reduce the burden on the courts, overcrowding in prisons and taxes, and encourage community service.

“For restorative justice to begin in our criminal justice system, current laws need to be amended,” he said at the opening of a forum organised by the Council for Restorative Justice Sabah in Kota Kinabalu today.

“This will take time, but with a workable proposal for the system as an alternative to imprisonment, it can be considered for a pilot project to kick off.

“This could involve those charged with petty crimes, immigration cases and Dangerous Drugs Act cases.”

He added that Sabah courts encourage mediation through restorative justice, as practised by state village chiefs and the Chinese kapitan to resolve conflicts since the days before a proper judicial system was in place.

Shafie’s speech was read out by state Law and Native Affairs Assistant Minister Jannie Lasimbang. – March 7, 2019.