Wences Angang…This initiative aims to definitively settle the dispute and establish ‘Momogun’ as the appropriate terminology for self-identification among ethnic communities in the state
By Nikko Fabian
KOTA KINABALU : To once and for all settle the issue, the Momogun National Congress (MNC) will host a national referendum in Penampang.
Speaking to local reporters Tuesday, MNC President Tan Sri Wences Angang revealed that the referendum is aimed to definitively settle the dispute and establish ‘Momogun’ as the appropriate terminilify for self- identification among ethnic communities in the ‘Land Below The Wind’.
“The Momogun National Congress (MNC) is set to host a national referendum on August 3 to address the ongoing debate surrounding the use of ‘Momogun’ as the generic term for indigenous people in Sabah.
This initiative aims to definitively settle the dispute and establish ‘Momogun’ as the appropriate terminology for self-identification among ethnic communities in the state,” he explained.
Expressed optimism that a majority of ethnic groups in Sabah will support the adoption of ‘Momogun’ as the preferred term for indigenous people, Wences said prior to the referendum, MNC plans to slso engage with leaders of various ethnic associations, particularly the Dusunic, Murutic, and Paitanic language groups, to provide insights into the significance of ‘Momogun’ and garner their support.
The national referendum is scheduled to take place at Dewan Kebudayaan Penampang, with MNC collaborating with the Sabah Cultural Board and the Sabah Native Affairs Department to organise the event.
The resurgence of discussions on the term ‘Momogun’ was sparked by a proposal from Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick advocating for its official use in forms, while Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan suggested the term ‘Dayak’ as an alternative.
Additionally, MNC announced plans to host the celebration of World Indigenous Peoples Day in Kadamaian, focusing on highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and cooperation among Sabah’s indigenous communities.
The organisers aim to invite the Prime Minister to officiate the event scheduled for August 8-9, emphasizing the significance of indigenous culture and entrepreneurship in Sabah.
The national referendum organized by MNC signifies a crucial step towards resolving the debate over the terminology used to identify indigenous people in Sabah, emphasising the importance of unity and self-determination among ethnic communities in the state.
