Tuaran: The Sabah Native Customary Community Organisation (Maans) opposes any attempt to sideline or demean Sabah’s native customs following statements and directives concerning the traditional practice of Momisok (traditional ritual for the departed), which have caused concern among customary practitioners.
Its President Murug Vinangun Shalmon Sanangan said although an apology had been issued by the party concerned, the matter should not end there without further clarification, dialogue and assurances that customary heritage would continue to be respected.
Shalmon, who is also a member of the National Customary Heritage Expert Committee under the National Heritage Department, said customs and religion should coexist in an atmosphere of mutual respect rather than deny or marginalise one another.
“We respect the right of every party to explain their respective religious teachings and beliefs. However, such explanations must be conveyed responsibly, with an understanding of the local cultural context,” he said in a statement.
He said traditional practices should not be labelled inappropriate, negative or contrary to certain beliefs without examining their history, purpose, symbolism and meaning from the perspective of the communities that have inherited them.
He said the issue of Momisok should be examined through dialogue involving customary practitioners, community leaders, customary experts and relevant parties to prevent misunderstandings, social tensions and divisions within the community.
Shalmon said Sabah’s native customs also had a framework for legal recognition under the Native Courts Enactment 1992 and regulations relating to native customary law.
However, he said such recognition did not mean every customary practice automatically took precedence over all other laws. Instead, any assessment or dispute should be handled through proper procedures, in accordance with applicable laws and with the involvement of knowledgeable parties.
He also stressed that ethnic identity should not be separated from customary heritage, as customs shape values, family relationships, social responsibilities and the continuity of a community across generations.
“We are concerned that if customary practices continue to be labelled collectively as something that must be abandoned simply because of differing religious interpretations, future generations may lose knowledge, values and traditions that cannot be recovered once they are lost,” he said.
Maans urged the relevant parties to clarify or withdraw any general directives that could be interpreted as a blanket prohibition on the Momisok practice without specific consideration of its context and implementation.
The organisation also proposed formal dialogue involving Maans, customary practitioners, ethnic leaders and relevant parties, while seeking assurances that differences in religious views would not be used to discriminate against customary practitioners or deny the dignity and identity of Sabah’s native communities.
Shalmon said Maans appreciated the apology that had been issued, but corrective action was necessary to restore public confidence and ensure that issues involving customs and religion were addressed peacefully, prudently and based on facts.
“Customs and religion are not enemies. Both must be approached with the utmost respect for the sake of unity, peace and the future of Sabah’s communities,” he said.
