KOTA KINABALU: Tan Sri Wences Angang, President of the Momogun National Congress (MNC), announced that the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration (Sembutan Hari Orang Asal) will be held this August in Kota Marudu, this year.
He explained that the event aims to celebrate the rich diversity of Sabah’s indigenous peoples, distinct from the traditional Harvest Festival celebrations. “The main celebration this year in Kota Marudu will feature handicraft exhibitions, forums, and broad participation ahead of the National Day festivities. We are involving all ethnic groups more directly,” Wences stated, emphasising the inclusive nature of the movement.
Speaking to Borneonews after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 9, he said, a practical challenge was addressed in the past, regarding current federal forms, which typically categorise citizens broadly as Malay, Chinese, Indian, or Others. The ‘Others’ were usually a ‘box’ for ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak. He agreed that listing each subgroup, such as Paitan, Dusun, Tapilong, or Lundayo, would complicate administrative processes, therefore grouping Sabah ethnic groups under “Momogun” or loosely translated ‘People of the Land’ was suitable. Wences pointed out, “You have to be one unified force,” drawing a parallel with China’s administrative system, where numerous provinces are united under the umbrella term “Chinese.”
In a significant move towards unity among Sabah’s diverse indigenous communities, during that time, leaders convened to discuss the progress of adopting a unifying family name, “Momogun.” This initiative seeks to streamline recognition within federal systems while honouring and preserving the distinct ethnic identities of the indigenous groups.
The major convention saw the participation of 85 ethnic associations. Of these, 77 signed a declaration supporting the Momogun recognition initiative. “Good enough for that day but we hope the rest will also sign,” quipped Wences, acknowledging the symbolic importance of the support. The group is looking into an initial resubmission of their proposal.
Wences also stressed that he agreed with the facebook posting by Datuk Ts. Dr. Ramzah Dambul, popularly known as Dr. Rem Dambul, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah, entitled “Surat Terbuka Kepada Huguan Siou” cc. KDCA. It was posted on 3 May 2026.
