Momogun National Congress

I read sometime ago that a new Sabahan natives organization had been formed, namely, the Momogun National Congress (MNC). The idea to form this body - an umbrella body for every KDM associations and societies - was mooted by Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok.

Datuk Henrynus Amin who took over from Tan Sri Bernard Dompok was reported to have said that the MNC incorporates every organization belonging to the Dusunic, Paitanites and Murutic tribes.

It would appear that Dusunic was used to also include the Kadazan-Tangaa tribes. Could this be accepted as proper? It brings into question the name adopted by KDCA, namely, Kadazan-Dusun Cultural Association. Why can't it be said that MNC will incorporate the Kadazan, Dusunic and Murutic tribes? Are Paitanites very different from the Dusuns? What about the Lotuds, the Sungeis and the Idahans?

MNC was said to be apolitical. But the overtone and the undertone seem to be otherwise. It may be almost impossible not to have political undertones - possibly with suppressed rivalry - when political leaders helm the leadership of MNC. Of course, many will argue that who else can lead the organization but proven leaders including political figures. To make MNC a non-political body, it will not incorporate Momogun political parties, it was said. Let's hope that it will remain so although it may be very difficult for the leaders not to talk about politics.

Sabah Tourists Association list of 32 ethnic groups in Sabah including Kadazan, Dusun, Lotud, Rungus, Murut, Tombonuo, Dumpas, Mangkaak, Orang Sungei, Maragang, Paitan, Ida'an, Minokok and Rumanau. So, why was the Paitan tribe singled out but no mention of Kadazan? Isn't it clear that Paitan is not a separate race?

Even the native people of Penampang were called by irresponsible British officials as 'Dusun' where, in fact, they called themselves 'Tangaa'. History has to be corrected, to be re-written. More than a century ago, Christian missionaries mentioned about "the Putatan language" which is the Kadazan' language.

I believe Tan Sri Bernard Dompok's ancestors would have 'Dusun' written as race in their birth certificates. But I honestly believe that he would prefer to be called a Kadazan. This can be gathered from the adoption of the name UPKO to replace PDS. (UPKO: United Pasok-Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organization; PDS: Parti Demokratik Sabah). Tan Sri Bernard Dompok founded PDS)