PENAMPANG: Seventy five associations signed a declaration on Thursday supporting the use of the term “Momogun” for indigenous Dusunic, Murutic and Paitanic-speaking communities but there is nu guarantee it will be adopted for use in official forms pending agreement by all sides concerned.
They were among 84 ethnic associations that attended the Premier Momogun Convention organised by the Momogun National Congress (MNC) at the Sabah Cultural Centre, here, Thursday.
Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Kadazandusun paramount leader Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan all agree that the term “lain-lain” (other) should be done away entirely.
Jeffrey said the Momogun term might not be adequately inclusive and suggested a broader “natives of Sabah” instead, saying this would avoid alienating any groups that would qualify to be included. (See separate story)
SPONSORED CONTENT 800 expected at Sabah CEO Master Class 2024 on August 8 Kota Kinabalu: Wish to know and learn meaningful lessons and entrepreneurial journeys from giant business owners who also faced various hard challenges and succeeded in overcoming them? . Read more Pairin had said the best way is to give each ethnicity the proper respect.
“If you are a Kadazandusun, write down Kadazandusun, if you’re a Murut, put Murut, and if you’re a Bajau, just write Bajau.”
Others like Kadazan Society Sabah (KSS) are determined that using “Momogun” is not the answer.
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ewon said it was a highly significant policy decision following the first convention in the early 1960s, which chose the name for the Kadazan, Dusun, or Momogun people at that time.
He said the convention was not to create a new ethnic name, but a group or generic term to replace the term “Others” or “Lain-Lain” used in government forms up to now.
“Not only is the name of our group important, but also the essence, attitude, thinking, discipline and integrity of the Momogun community, which include being progressive, innovative, diligent, hardworking, leadership-oriented, well-governed and able to embrace differences.
“In addition, Momogun should also strengthen similarities and create success stories or achievements that can be an inspiration or motivation, especially for future generations,” said the Penampang MP, when closing the event.
He said the cultivation of the Momogun cluster name should start from organisations that supported and signed the declaration through writing, speeches and programme content.
Ewon who is also the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President said he remains a Kadazan and is proud of the Kadazandusun language, despite supporting the Momogun cluster name.
“In the preparation of government economic policies, data and statistics of the population form the basis of policy-making.
“Therefore, the declaration and the policy decision by these organisations open up space for many positive aspects regarding this community and their role and contribution to the country.
“I said that, as the majority community in Sabah, it is not appropriate for this community to be classified under the term ‘Others’ in official government forms,” he said.
Ewon said the signed declaration is “very positive”.
“I support this declaration and have the responsibility to bring this matter to the federal government,” he said.
He also shared the performance report of the cooperative movement and the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (PMKS) in 2023, which was much better compared to that of 2022.
“The Momogun community can also be part of this performance. When the Momogun community has economic strength and significant participation in the cooperative movement and PMKS, this community can play a significant role in the governance of the country,” Ewon said.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
