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Borneo Post
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Kaamatan: A call for unity in the land of Huminodun
As Sabah welcomes the radiant glow of Kaamatan and the haunting strains of the sompoton fill the valleys, this sacred period, rooted in the legend of Huminodun, prompts deep introspection and thankfulness. Huminodun, the revered maiden whose selfless act brought forth the first rice harvest, embodies unity and altruism. This leads to a critical question: How can a person who honors such a powerful symbol of cohesion remain entangled in political disarray? The Kadazandusun, Sabah's largest indigenous community, holds vast potential. However, their true strength can only be unlocked by embracing the ancient wisdom of Misompuru (Unity) and forging a collective vision for what lies ahead. At the core of Kadazandusun beliefs is the touching narrative of Huminodun. Faced with devastating famine, Kinoingan, the creator deity, made an unimaginable choice: to save humanity, he had to sacrifice his only child. With immense love and dedication, Huminodun willingly offered herself. Her body was laid into the earth, from which the first rice emerged, sustaining countless generations. This ultimate sacrifice, commemorated yearly during Kaamatan through ceremonies like the Magavau, transcends a mere story of sorrow; it stands as a powerful testament to the strength of unity and the profound connection between individuals and their community. The Unduk Ngadau, or harvest queen, chosen during the festival, personifies Huminodun's purity, wisdom, and grace. Her symbolic role reminds the community that leadership must serve the greater good. Yet, in today's political landscape, this sacred covenant appears forgotten. How has a people united by the legacy of a heroine who gave her life for unity allowed themselves to splinter into factions that seem to thrive on division? Sabah's political sphere has become increasingly fragmented, with multiple parties — UPKO, PBS, PBRS, STAR, among others — jostling for influence under the banner of Kadazandusun rights. Despite their common cause, internal rivalries, shifting alliances, and competing agendas have weakened their collective voice. This political disunity has led to tangible consequences. Native land rights, enshrined in law, are routinely undermined by external interests, yet without a united political front, enforcement remains elusive. Economically, many rural Kadazandusun communities continue to face hardship, trapped in cycles of poverty and underdevelopment, while disjointed leadership fails to marshal coordinated advocacy. The cultural cost is no less grave. A 2017 Borneo Post Online article, 'The Kadazandusun language dilemma,' highlighted that many district youth under thirty struggled to speak Kadazan. This aligns with a 2005 UNESCO report deeming Kadazandusun endangered, a critical indicator that the culture risks disappearing without targeted efforts. This is not the legacy Huminodun died to bequeath. Her act was a call to unity, not a license for petty squabbles. Kaamatan, at its core, has always been more than a celebration of harvest — it is a time of renewal, of reconciling differences, sharing abundance, and reaffirming kinship. In the past, rituals led by the bobohizan or bombolian were not only spiritual acts but mechanisms for healing and consensus. Elders resolved conflicts, families shared the first rice harvest, and the community danced the sumazau in harmonious rhythm, reflecting a society at peace with itself. Today, Kaamatan risks becoming a hollow shell — reduced to pageantry and performance, stripped of its deeper meaning — unless its essence is reclaimed. Imagine if political leaders, instead of trading barbs, genuinely shared tapai under the roof of Hongkod Koisaan, pledging collaboration over competition. Picture the unveiling of a unified agenda for the Kadazandusun people — rooted in land protection, cultural preservation and educational reform — delivered not in separate party platforms, but as a collective vision. Envision young people and women — torchbearers of Huminodun's spirit — leading campaigns that transcend partisan lines, igniting hope in both village halls and digital spaces. The image of Kadazandusun leaders joining in the sumazau, moving in unison like the intertwined roots of the rice plant, could become a powerful living symbol of Misompuru — not just a concept, but a call to action. Around the world, indigenous peoples have found strength in solidarity. The Māori of New Zealand, by uniting under the framework of the Treaty of Waitangi, secured not only land reparations but a firm voice in parliament. In the United States, the Navajo Nation, despite its internal diversity, consolidated political power to protect its resources and secure federal support. These examples show that unity is not a surrender of identity; it is a strategy for survival and growth. The Kadazandusun, with their profound cultural heritage, could likewise wield greater influence through cooperation and shared purpose. Perhaps, like the Māori Kingitanga, a central movement rooted in cultural pride and political coordination could emerge. To make Misompuru a reality, several key steps are needed. The formation of a Kadazandusun Political Council — serving as a neutral platform akin to the bobohizan's role as mediator — could help align party priorities and push for crucial legislation, from protecting Native Customary Rights (NCR) land to intensifying Kadazandusun-language education and developing sustainable rural economies. Grassroots initiatives should accompany this political reawakening. A 'Tumahui do Huminodun' campaign could mobilize youth around the symbolism of her sacrifice, linking tradition to activism through art, dialogue, and community action. Even simple efforts, such as rival politicians co-hosting Kaamatan activities or jointly planting rice, can plant seeds of trust and solidarity. As the gongs echo and the scent of hinava drifts through the air, this Kaamatan, the Kadazandusun are called to make a choice. Will they continue down a path of fragmentation, or rise together as people bound by the same moon that once witnessed their ancestors dance in unity? Huminodun's story is not merely a legend to be admired; it is a roadmap waiting to be followed. Just as her body became the rice that sustained a people, today's leaders must transform their ambitions into nourishment for the collective good. This moment goes beyond politics. It is about safeguarding a heritage — the terraced paddies, the chants of the bobohizan, the laughter of children speaking the language of their forebears. It is about honoring the spirits of those who came before by securing a dignified future for those yet to come. Let this Kaamatan mark a new beginning. Let it prove that Misompuru is not a forgotten dream but a living, breathing force. For as the proverb reminds us: 'Ounsik do Huminodun, ounsik do Kaamatan.' Without Huminodun, there is no harvest. And without unity, there is no future. Nokoturu ti Huminodun, moginum ti tapai do Misompuru (Follow Huminodun's path, and drink the rice wine of unity.)
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sipitang folks urge probe on volleyball court renovation
Published on: Thursday, May 29, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 29, 2025 By: Ahmad Apong Text Size: The volleyball courts under renovation. SIPITANG: Kampung Kaban residents want the Youth and Sports Ministry to investigate the renovation of a volleyball court carried out by a contractor which the community claim was done without their consultation or proper authorisation. The situation is further complicated by the location of the renovated court, which sits within the grounds of a church currently under construction that may eventually be demolished. The community's frustration stems not only from the lack of consultation but also from the apparent waste of resources on unnecessary repairs while genuine maintenance needs go unaddressed. Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) Wanita Executive Committee Member cum Sindumin PBRS Wanita Chief Maria Samuel said the contractor began work without informing residents or the Federal Village Development and Security Committee. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah part of Federal govt for 28 years: Arthur
Published on: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 17, 2025 By: Christy Chok Text Size: Arthur at the opening ceremony of PBRS Sri Tanjong Constituency Service Centre in Tawau. TAWAU: Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security cum PBRS President, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, said Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) is a local political party that embraces multiracial and multi-religious values. He said PBRS even has the State map in its logo. Although it is a local party, it does not discriminate by race or religion – every Sabahan is eligible to become a member, he said. Advertisement 'Though small, PBRS has held positions in the ruling coalition. The party is 30 years old, and out of those 30 years, it has been part of the government for 28 years – with the only exception being the 22 months after Barisan Nasional's loss of federal power.' 'PBRS has held various important government positions over the years, including deputy ministers, state ministers, federal ministers, and even the position of Speaker. I currently serves as a deputy minister, which I consider a mark of respect for the party,' he said. He said the State has some 16 political parties – the highest in Malaysia. Advertisement While some may see this as a positive sign of democracy, he believes it signifies division. Out of all these parties, only four currently hold positions at the Federal level and PBRS is one of them. Meanwhile, he acknowledged PBRS Vice President cum Sri Tanjong Division Chief, Fung Hon Yi, for his contributions to the community. Arthur believes the Sri Tanjong constituency should have PBRS' presence and also include Chinese representation within the party. He emphasised that the establishment of the division service centre is not a mere symbolic gesture but a true reflection of the party's motto 'People First, Service-Oriented'. The division will now fully engage in community service work. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Free Malaysia Today
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Struggle for Sabah's rights not exclusive to one party, says ex-CM
Former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak said the struggle for the state's rights belongs to all Sabahans. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The struggle for Sabah's rights is not a cause exclusive to any single party, Salleh Said Keruak said today following calls for the state government to be led by local parties. The former Sabah chief minister said there was an assumption that only local parties were entitled to speak on Sabah's rights. 'In truth, this struggle belongs to all Sabahans,' he said, noting that Sabah-based parties such as Upko and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) had opted to work within national coalitions to ensure that Sabah's voice is better heard at the federal level. Salleh said this when officiating a Lahad Datu Umno meeting. He also said that political parties were merely platforms, irrespective of whether they were local or national. He said the more important matter was the sincerity and capability of leaders in bringing the issues affecting Sabahans to 'a higher level'. 'What the people of Sabah want today is not about who is more 'Sabahan' or more 'local'. What truly matters is who is sincere, stable, and capable of fulfilling their promises,' he said. Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Hajiji Noor said last Friday that the coalition would go solo in the state election if Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) had finalised their electoral pact. He said local Sabah parties should form the backbone and head of the state government. PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim however said he was optimistic that the three coalitions would be able to reach an agreement for the state election. Salleh said last Friday that BN and PH's pact for the Sabah election was a step towards ensuring political stability in the Bornean state, which he described as crucial.
Daily Express
16-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Why Sabah PH-BN quiet on these MA63 issues?
Published on: Friday, May 16, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 16, 2025 Text Size: 'Upko and PBRS claim to be bridges to Putrajaya? They are more like pipelines draining Sabah's wealth straight to Kuala Lumpur,' Yong said. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) accused the State's PH-BN coalition of staying silent on important oil and gas lawsuits while Sarawak aggressively challenges Federal laws in court. SAPP Supreme Council member cum Vice Youth Chief, lawyer Yong Yit Jee, dismissed claims by Upko and PBRS that they are securing Sabah's rights. Advertisement 'Sarawak is fighting tooth and nail in court, but Sabah PH-BN is using 'good relations' as an excuse while our resources are taken away,' Yong said. He pointed to the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA1974) and Territorial Sea Act 2012 (TSA2012) as laws that have undermined Sabah and Sarawak's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The criticism comes as Sabah NGO Sabar mounts a legal challenge against TSA2012, a move the Sabah Chief Minister has supported, stating the State does not recognise the law. 'Upko and PBRS claim to be bridges to Putrajaya? They are more like pipelines draining Sabah's wealth straight to Kuala Lumpur,' Yong said. 'Sarawak sues, while Sabah PH-BN settles for handshakes and empty promises,' Yong said, questioning the two parties' impact where they boast about resolving 13 MA63 issues. He called out Upko's Federal minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, for failing to amend PDA1974 or deliver the promised 40 per cent revenue formula by July 2024. 'It is now May 2025, where is the formula? Where is our money?' Yong said, referring to Ewon's September 2023 announcement. SAPP, which has long opposed PDA1974, TSA2012 and the loss of oil-rich Blocks L and M to Brunei, is now demanding Sabah PH-BN clarify its stance. 'Will they remain Federal puppets or finally stand with Sarawak to reclaim Sabah's full MA63 rights?' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
