Kota Kinabalu: The United Sabah Lotud Association (USLA) fully supports the creation of a new yearly statewide native celebration, to be called Momogun Festival.
USLA deputy president, Richard Libun Adou, said in a statement that the new celebration would be an excellent addition to the current government-funded Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival).
“Momoguns will then be able to further enhance the Momogun collective identity,” Adou said.
“We will also be able to have more freedom in creating the festival’s format in accordance to the pure native culture of the respective districts they will be organised.”
The festival is the brainchild of the Sabah Original People Momogun Organisation (Pertubuhan Orang Asal Momogun Sabah) or OAS.
In announcing the new celebration at the “Momogun Development Agenda Discussion” organised by the Momogun National Congress (MNC) at the Kinsabina building in Penampang last Saturday, OAS’ President, Stephen Nogiris, said the festival is not intended to compete with the Pesta Kaamatan.
But to complement it with additional sociocultural features in line with OAS’ vision to “protect, preserve, defend and to refine our cultural heritages, culture (including customs and tradition, art, handicrafts, costumes, and mother tongues of the Momogun people.”
Nogiris said the inaugural celebration will be organised by OAS in Kota Marudu on Oct 26, to be officiated by a senior state minister.
“All are cordially invited to the historic launch of the Momogun Festival,” he said.
MNC President, Tan Sri Wences Angang is supportive of the festival’s idea and said it would be brought up for discussion at the MNC’s supreme council meeting.
“I feel starting next year it is best held in conjunction with the World Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on 9th August.
“This is because the indigenous day celebration will also be organized in Sabah by MNC.”
“We understand that the Momogun Festival has no connection with harvesting but a celebration of the Momogun’s collective cultural heritage,” he said.
