Kota Kinabalu: Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan has been urged to pass the KDCA presidency to someone more action-oriented and attuned to present-day challenges, like younger brother Dr Jeffrey.
Making the call, Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Kg Soboong/Boliga branch chairman, Datuk Michael S. Malanjun, said although Pairin remains the Huguan Siou — a role held for life — the presidency of KDCA could be handed over.
He praised Dr Jeffrey, who chairs this year’s Main Organizing Committee (MOC), for securing the largest-ever state allocation of RM5 million for the 2025 State-Level Kaamatan Festival.
“This allocation far surpasses the usual RM1.5 to RM2 million given in past years, and it reflects Dr Jeffrey’s capability to elevate the Kaamatan Festival to new heights,” he said in a statement.
He commended Dr Jeffrey’s ability to lead not only the Kaamatan festivities but also, potentially, KDCA when Pairin, who has served for over 40 years, decides to step down.
Malanjun also revisited the association’s history, noting it was originally known as the Kadazan Cultural Association (KCA) before being renamed KDCA in 1998. He credited its early formation to a group known as the “Magnificent 7” from Penampang — including Justin Stimol, Patrick Michael and the Chu brothers — who initiated what was then called the Society of the Kadazan, before the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
He acknowledged the ongoing debate around the term ‘Kadazandusun” which some cultural purists argue is an invented identity, and suggested a possible return to the association’s original name, KCA.
Malanjun said Dr Jeffrey’s political leadership — particularly his efforts to unite Star and PBS into a single coalition — could prove vital in consolidating the political strength of the Kadazan-Dusun-Murut (KDM) community in Sabah.
He also proposed that Pairin be conferred the title of “Tun” in recognition of his decades of service, which includes roles as Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and KDCA President.
During a recent KDCA meeting, a delegate from Papar questioned whether the roles of Huguan Siou and KDCA President should be held by separate individuals. However, the point was ruled out of order by the Permanent Chairman.
“Dr Jeffrey, as Huguan Siou Lundu Mirongod and Deputy Chief Minister, is the right person to take over the KDCA presidency to ensure that the KDM community is not sidelined from Sabah’s economic progress,” Malanjun said.
