World's Indigenous Day, a reminder of rights of indigenous people

 By Olivia Miwil - August 9, 2021 @ 4:28pm

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the annual celebration of World Indigenous Day today reminded him of the oath stone in Keningau inscribed with words on the rights of the people. - File pic.

KOTA KINABALU: Native rights for the people of Sabah include the fulfilment of the agreements made to preserve the culture and customs in the state.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the annual celebration of World Indigenous Day today reminded him of the oath stone in Keningau inscribed with words on the rights of the people.

He added that there were several aspects related with the rights of the indigenous people including lands, positions in the government and borneonisation ideals included in the Federal Constitution, Malaysia Agreements and other relevant documents.

"When we celebrate World Indigenous Day every year, do not forget what we are actually celebrating.

"We have to refer to ourselves on how much of our rights have been fulfilled and how long to achieve our aspiration," he said.

He was speaking during the closing of the webinar dubbed Unduk Ngadau: Kadazandusun cultural practice and tradition in Sabah in conjunction with 2021 World's Indigenous Peoples Day.

Jeffrey, who is also Kadazandusun Cultural Association deputy president, said people should also ask themselves of their contribution instead of putting the blame on the government and leaders to fight for their rights.

"In my opinion, part of the responsibilities lie within ourselves. Are we satisfied with our own roles in getting the rights? If not, what can be done to fulfil the rights promised during the formation of Malaysia?

"We have to look on our strength and weaknesses, as well as capabilities in redeeming the rights by working not only among natives in Sabah but globally recognised indigienous people."

As for the webinar, Jeffrey said Unduk Ngadau which is a pageant contest held during the annual harvest festival in Sabah needed to be explained in terms of its cultural value in honoring the spirit of paddy.

"The recently concluded Unduk Ngadau often received negative connotations with women exploitation and sexism even until today.

"Explanation in this webinar gives an opportunity to give identity (to the pageantry) as a symbol of beauty and vitality, as well as elevating women's dignity among others."