KOTA KINABALU: Kadazan Global Community Berhad President Datuk Lawrence Sinsua said he welcomed the recent declaration by groups for Kadazandusun to be the collective identity.
“We certainly welcome efforts to strengthen unity among Sabah’s indigenous communities, together with the assurance reported that existing ethnic identities will be preserved and acceptance of a collective name will remain voluntary,” Sinsua said.
“The position of Kadazan Global Community Berhad is clear - the Kadazan identity must remain respected as Kadazan, and Dusun identity as Dusun. Those who choose to identify as Kadazandusun must equally have their choice respected,” he stressed.
“A collective name can serve those who embrace it. Any proposal for wider official recognition should also accommodate those who retain Kadazan, Dusun or other community identities,” Sinsua added..
“A preferred choice remains a choice only when people are free to choose otherwise.”“The important question is how the assurance of voluntary acceptance will work in practice, particularly in proposals concerning official recognition and government forms,” he pointed out.
“We therefore ask proponents and the relevant authorities to clarify the “hows” on the followings: Kadazan, Dusun and other community names will remain available for those who choose them.
Communities and organisations with differing views will be included in consultation.
Any collective designation will remain voluntary in practice.
”These are constructive questions intended to build confidence, prevent misunderstanding and strengthen lasting unity.”“Our communities can work together in cultural preservation, education, economic development and welfare while retaining their cherished identities while preserving our mother tongues and improving opportunities for younger generations deserve our shared attention,” Sinsua opined.
“No person should be compelled to adopt the term Kadazandusun, and no person should be prevented from using it voluntarily,” he reiterated.
“Kadazan Global Community Berhad is ready to participate in respectful dialogue on this basis. Our purpose is to safeguard Kadazan identity while respecting the identities and choices of all neighbouring communities,” he added.
“Let us strengthen our common future while honouring the names through which our people know themselves,” Sinsua said.
