By Social Activist Remy Majangkim
KOTA KINABALU: In the months leading up to the recent signing of the Momogun National Congress declaration, it was unanimously agreed in the convention on August 1st, 2024, that a declaration made that “Momogun” should substitute “dan lain-lain” in all official government documents under the “race” category.
This decision follows a proposal by Members of Parliament from Penampang, led by Datuk Ewon Benedict, representing the political party UPKO.
The interaction between order and chaos has sparked lively debates on social media. I asked a group of elders with a Bobohizan lineage, native priestesses among their people, about this.
They explained that Momogun does not represent a specific race of people but rather a convergence of living beings in a particular area. They also mentioned that, as humans, we should not be demeaned by being compared to animals.
In the now-defunct United Pasok Momogun Organisation, under the tutelage of the late (OKK) Datuk GS Sundang, it was written in their party constitution that Momogun means “whoever works for the benefit of the state.”
These people are called Momogun.
The original goal was to unite under a single banner called the Native People of Borneo.
However, instead of creating unity, it led to more division and hostility. We need to examine what the British left us regarding the interpretation of ‘Native’ in Sabah and the protection of the Federal Constitution.
The term “Momogun,” proposed by the Momogun National Congress, was meant to be used for the Kadazan Dusun and Paitan people only. However, what about the other natives in Sabah? This presents a conundrum and seems unfair.
The classification of Natives in Sarawak is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, unlike in Sabah, where the authority and improvement of the interpretation (Definition of Native) Ordinance (Sabah Cap. 64) is under the State jurisdiction. In Sarawak, the state puts forward the list of natives to be added under the protection of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.
In Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, it is specifically mentioned that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong serves as the guardian of the interests of the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak.
This provision is entrenched in the Federal Constitution and was arranged by the British before the formation of Malaysia.
“It was also found that an official letter was sent by the Momogun National Congress to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, requesting to change the use of “dan lain-lain” to “Momogun.”
While their actions may seem rational in involving the federal government, it is considered “out of bounds.” The real power lies within the highest office in Sabah. As a reminder, the State of Sabah is a founding member of Malaysia and not just one of the 13 states in Malaysia.”
In conclusion, the terms Momogun do not have any protection under the law, both in federal and state law.
We need to work diligently with the state government to improve the interpretation of the (Definition of Native) Ordinance (Sabah Cap. 64). If the current state government is sincere in resolving this issue, they should insist that all government officials form to exclude “dan lain-lain” to either Natives of Sabah or just use your current race as stated in your birth certificate.
