Foundation chairman concerned over usage of Momogun

KOTA KINABALU (Aug 19): The chairman of the Registered Trustees of Kadazan Welfare Foundation Datuk Lawrence Sinsua has expressed deep concern regarding recent discussions on the use of the term ‘Momogun’ as a replacement for ‘lain-lain’ when referring to the indigenous communities of Sabah in official documentation.

Lawrence said that while he recognized the intention to unify various ethnic groups under a common identity, this shift could inadvertently undermine the rights and privileges of Sabah Natives as guaranteed by Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.

“Article 153 clearly provides special provisions for the safeguarding of the positions and privileges of the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak, along with the Malays. The term ‘Momogun,’ while meant to be inclusive, is not officially recognized in the Federal Constitution. Replacing the term ‘lain-lain’ with ‘Momogun’ in official records may lead to legal ambiguities and diminish the recognition and protection of the native status of the people of Sabah,” said Lawrence in a statement today.

“It is crucial that any change in terminology does no inadvertently strip away the protections that have been long fought for and enshrined in the Federal Constitution. I urge the Press and all stakeholders to be mindful of the legal implications and to ensure that any terminology used in publications remains aligned with the rights and privileges as stated under Article 153,” he continued.

He said that this matter is crucial for the rightful representation of the indigenous natives of Sabah and directly relates to the principles of equality and protection enshrined in Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.

Article 153 of the Federal Constitution safeguards the special position of the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak by providing for the reservation of quotas in public service, scholarships, and permits or licenses for certain businesses. These constitutional protections are essential to ensuring that the indigenous communities have fairopportunities and are adequately represented in national development.

“In this context, it is critical that the terms used to identify the indigenous natives of Sabah in official documents are accurate, meaningful, and reflective of their cultural and historical significance. The term ‘Kadazan Dusun’ has long been recognized both locally and globally as a comprehensive identifier for the indigenous peoples of Sabah. It carries significant cultural heritage and is a name that commands respect across all levels of society.

“There has been a recent proposal by certain groups to replace ‘lain-lain’ with the term ‘Momogun.’ However, we at RT-KWF strongly believe that this term is neither widely recognized nor appropriate to represent the indigenous natives of Sabah. Using ‘Momogun’ instead of ‘Kadazan’ or ‘Dusun’ may cause confusion and undermine the established identity of our community, leading to potential misrepresentation in important government processes.

“In Sarawak, the successful replacement of ‘lain-lain’ with ‘Dayak’ sets a positive example for Sabah. The indigenous communities in Sarawak have successfully united under a single recognized term,ensuring that their identity is protected and respected in all official matters. Sabah must follow suit by officially adopting ‘Kadazan’ or ‘Dusun’ to replace ‘lain-lain,’ thereby strengthening unity and preserving the cultural legacy of the indigenous natives. RT-KWF is acommunity-driven foundation with over 50 years of experience in business and entrepreneurship. We have the financial stability and expertise to support and uplift the indigenous of better livelihoods. Our focus has always been on preserving our cultural identity while promoting economic empowerment,” said Lawrence.

“We urge all stakeholders,including the state and federal governments, to ensure that ‘Kadazan’ or ‘Dusun’ is the official term used in place of ‘lain-lain’ in all federal forms. This is not just a matter of terminology; it is a matter of safeguarding our identity, upholding the spirit of Article 153, and ensuring that our community continues to thrive with dignity and respect,” he said.