Don’t Polemicise Ethnic Terms, Remain United Under Kaamatan Spirit - Dr Joachim

KOTA KINABALU, May 30 (Bernama) -- The people of Sabah are urged not to polemicise ethnic terms or divide the identities of the various communities in the state through new terminology, but instead to remain united under the harmonious spirit of the Kaamatan Festival.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said attempts by certain parties to separate existing racial identities could undermine unity that has long been firmly established.

The Chairman of the Sabah State-Level Kaamatan Festival 2026 Organising Committee therefore said the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) identity should be maintained as a strong unifying entity representing all ethnic groups in the state, rather than introducing new terms such as “Momogun”.

“As an old hand, I would advise young people not to divide the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) identity, which should continue to stand strong as a single entity, and instead use the Kaamatan Festival platform to strengthen unity,” he told Bernama.

He said this in response to claims by certain quarters, particularly on social media, that the Kaamatan Festival is celebrated only by the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus communities, and suggestions that the term KDMR be changed to “Momogun” to better reflect the inclusivity of the people of Sabah.

Dr Joachim, who is also the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) deputy president, said any attempt to divide ethnic identity would only weaken the unity of the people at grassroots level.

He stressed that the more than 30 indigenous ethnic groups in the state share strong cultural roots and cannot be divided by geographical boundaries or differing beliefs.

Dr Joachim cited artistic elements such as the traditional gong, which is widely shared among almost all sub-ethnic groups in Sabah and reflects a common harmonious cultural heritage.

“Although there are small variations in gong rhythms across districts, the underlying similarities prove that we all originate from the same cultural roots,” he said.

In this regard, he advised community leaders and cultural activists to maintain a constructive narrative and not allow new terms to undermine racial harmony.

Dr Joachim said the main focus of organising the annual Kaamatan Festival is to showcase Sabah’s cultural unity, which remains intact, dynamic and harmonious, to the outside world.

He said the effort to highlight this unified culture could indirectly enhance Sabah’s image as a cultural tourism destination based on its unique ethnic diversity.

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

Dr Joachim also expressed hope that the younger generation would not be influenced by dual identities that were deliberately created, but instead continue to preserve the heritage of their respective ancestors with pride.

He said that through a mature understanding of culture, the state’s socio-cultural harmony would remain sustainable, thereby steering Sabah towards a more progressive future.

The spirit of brotherhood demonstrated throughout the harvest festival should be used as a lasting guide to ensure the state’s stability and security for future generations, he added.

--BERNAMA