Adoption of ‘Momogun’ should not be rushed – association

KOTA KINABALU (Aug 21): The recent Momogun Congress, which saw the participation of more than 70 NGOs, proposed the adoption of the term ‘Momogun’ to replace the current term ‘KDMR’ (Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus) when referring to Sabah’s indigenous ethnic groups.

“While the Persatuan Suang Lotud Sabah (PSLS) acknowledges the intent behind this proposal, we believe that the decision to adopt ‘Momogun’ should not be rushed,” the association’s President Datuk Fredie Sua said.

In a statement issued yesterday, Fredie said PSLS strongly advocates for more inclusive and comprehensive discussions involving all major stakeholders before any formal adoption of the term ‘Momogun’.

It is crucial that this dialogue includes key organizations such as the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), United Sabah Dusun Association (USDA), Majlis Gabungan Etnik Bumiputera Sabah (MAGEBS), and the Kadazan Society Sabah (KSS), he stressed.

According to Fredie, the history, identity, and cultural heritage of Sabah’s indigenous people are complex and diverse and as such, any changes in terminology that seek to encompass this diversity should be approached with caution and wide consensus.

PSLS, he stressed, stands firm in its belief that any such change should reflect the collective will of the people, arrived at through thorough discussion and agreement among all relevant parties.

“We note the recent decision by the federal cabinet to officially recognize the term ‘Dayak’ for indigenous groups in Sarawak. While this decision provides a reference point, it is important to recognize that the sociocultural dynamics in Sabah are distinct from those in Sarawak. The process that led to the adoption of ‘Dayak’ in Sarawak cannot simply be replicated in Sabah without careful consideration of our unique circumstances,” he said.

PSLS, he stressed, reiterates the position it took at the last convention organized by the Momogun Congress in 2016.

“At that time, we expressed the need for a more measured approach to adopting new terminology, emphasizing the importance of broad-based consensus among all indigenous groups in Sabah. This position remains unchanged.

“We urge all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding as we move forward in this important discussion. The identity of our indigenous communities is too significant to be subject to hasty decisions.

“While PSLS acknowledges the momentum behind the proposal to adopt the term ‘Momogun’, we believe that a decision of this magnitude requires more time, discussion, and consensus-building. We remain committed to working with all parties to ensure that any changes made truly reflect the will and identity of Sabah’s indigenous people,” said Fredie.