SANDAKAN – The ongoing debate over the official replacement for the term “lain-lain” or “others” to describe Sabah’s indigenous population has sparked considerable discussion across the state.
Recently, 75 ethnic associations representing Sabah’s indigenous communities endorsed the Momogun National Congress declaration, advocating for the official use of the term “Momogun” to represent three Indigenous groups: the Dusunic, Murutic and Paitanic. The aim is to replace the term “others” in official government documents and forms.
This declaration was signed at a convention held at the Sabah Cultural Centre in Penampang, inaugurated by Upko president and Penampang MP Datuk Ewon Benedick.
In contrast, the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) has proposed the term “Kadazandusun” to include the Dusun, Murut and Paitanic groups.
This proposal aligns with the amendment of the KDCA constitution in 1985, which replaced the term “Kadazan” as the generic term initially adopted in 1961 for the tribes under the Dusun, Murut, Rungus and Paitanic communities.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, who also serves as Sabah STAR president, has advocated for the term “Natives of Sabah” or “Anak Negeri Sabah” to replace “lain-lain” in official documents, arguing that the terms “Momogun” and “Kadazandusun” do not adequately represent other significant Indigenous communities such as the Bajau, Bisaya, Kedayan, Irranun and others.
Former assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang told Scoop that while the different proposals aim to unify Sabah’s tribal communities, their varying positions risk causing divisions if not approached with sensitivity and inclusivity.
“While vigorous discussions are valuable, they can also be detrimental to unity. Recognising the need for harmony, there is a suggestion for a cooling-off period and open discussions to seek an amicable solution,” he said.
Ligunjang urged Kitingan to convene a round-table discussion with all stakeholders to discuss the pros and cons of each proposed term, resolving the issue in a manner that promotes inclusivity and unity.
“Fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect is paramount. By coming together in dialogue and cooperation, the people of Sabah can identify a term that honours all indigenous communities and strengthens bonds within the state and nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, activist and historian Remy Majangkim also observed that the debate over which term to use instead of “others” has become intense, potentially creating divisions and hostility.
From a historical perspective, Majangkim argued that “Momogun” is unsuitable as it is not protected under the law at either the federal or state levels and does not represent indigenous groups beyond the Dusun, Murut and Paitanic.
Conversely, the term “Natives of Sabah” is stated in the Federal Constitution. Article 153 of the Federal Constitution states that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong serves as the guardian of the interests of the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak. Therefore, the official use of “Natives of Sabah” would ensure protection for indigenous locals under the Federal Constitution and law at both the federal and state levels.
Nevertheless, the Sabah government must first determine the definition of “native” in Sabah.
“The British left the Sabah government the authority to determine the interpretation of ‘native’ in the state, as the Interpretation (Definition of Native) Ordinance Cap. 64 is under state jurisdiction. Therefore, the Sabah government must work diligently to improve this ordinance,” Majangkim told Scoop.
“If the current state government is sincere in resolving this issue, they should insist that all government documents replace the term ‘lain-lain’ with either ‘Natives of Sabah’ or simply use one’s race as stated in their birth certificate.” – August 9, 2024