‘Momogun’ versus KDMR? Sabah DCM says Kaamatan should unite, not divide

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam has urged Sabahans to reject attempts to create new ethnic divisions, saying the annual Kaamatan Festival should remain a symbol of unity among the state’s indigenous communities.

According to the New Straits Times, Joachim cautioned that efforts by some groups to redefine or separate long-established ethnic identities risk undermining the harmony that has long existed among Sabah’s diverse indigenous peoples.

The deputy chief minister said the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) identity should continue to serve as a unifying umbrella rather than be replaced by alternative labels such as “Momogun”.

“As an elder, I would advise the younger generation not to divide the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus identity, which should remain strong as one entity. Instead, we should use the Kaamatan Festival as a platform to strengthen unity,” he said, as reported by the national daily.

Joachim was responding to discussions, particularly on social media, suggesting that Kaamatan is celebrated only by KDMR communities and proposing the use of the term “Momogun” as a more inclusive description of Sabah’s indigenous peoples.

He said introducing new labels that fragment existing identities would weaken community ties at the grassroots level.

Joachim, who is also deputy president of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), noted that Sabah’s more than 30 indigenous ethnic groups share common cultural roots despite differences in dialects, geography and beliefs.

Pointing to the traditional gong as an example, he said the instrument is widely used across indigenous communities throughout the state.

“Although there are slight variations in gong rhythms from one district to another, the similarities demonstrate that we share the same cultural roots,” he said.

He called on community leaders and cultural activists to promote narratives that strengthen social cohesion rather than introduce terminology that could undermine racial harmony.

Joachim said Kaamatan’s broader purpose was to showcase Sabah’s cultural unity to the world, arguing that the state’s rich ethnic diversity should be viewed as an asset rather than a source of division.

“Our goal is to show the world that ethnic diversity in Sabah is not a weakness but a strength when we are united under one cultural umbrella,” he said.

He also encouraged younger Sabahans to take pride in the heritage handed down by their ancestors and not be swayed by what he described as artificially created dual identities.

“The spirit of brotherhood displayed throughout the Kaamatan Festival should continue to guide us in preserving stability and security for future generations,” he added.