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MORE than 70 years have passed since the registration of the Society of Kadazan in Penampang on 24 August 1953. 

That historic registration represented far more than the establishment of a community organisation. 

It reflected a vision of preserving language and culture, improving education and living standards, safeguarding Indigenous rights, and contributing positively to the future of North Borneo, now Sabah.

Since then, generations of Kadazan and Dayak leaders (in Sarawak) have served Malaysia with distinction in public administration, Parliament, the judiciary, education, medicine, the armed forces, law, business, agriculture, science, sports, religion, arts and community service. 

Their contributions have helped build a stronger Malaysia and deserve continued appreciation.

Throughout the years, Malaysians have naturally referred to the country’s principal communities as Malays, Chinese and Indians. 

Likewise, national leaders, including successive Prime Ministers and Ministers, have frequently referred to the Indigenous peoples of Sabah as “Kadazan” and those of Sarawak as “Dayak” in speeches, public events and official engagements. 

These expressions are widely understood by Malaysians and have become part of our national vocabulary.

Kadazan Global Community Berhad (KGCB) respectfully believes that the time has come to consider affirming, in an appropriate and inclusive manner, the historical contributions of the Kadazan people of Sabah and the Dayak peoples of Sarawak as principal Indigenous communities within Malaysia’s national narrative, while fully respecting the many Indigenous peoples and identities that together enrich both States.

This proposal is not intended to diminish the recognition or importance of any other community. 

It does not seek to alter constitutional rights or legal classifications. 

Rather, it seeks to enrich Malaysia’s shared history by ensuring that the role of Sabah and Sarawak in nation-building is more fully reflected in our educational, cultural and historical record.

Malaysia was founded through partnership. The formation of the Federation on 16 September 1963 was made possible through the participation and commitment of leaders and communities from Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak. 

The history of Malaysia is therefore most complete when the contributions of all its founding partners are understood and appreciated.

This proposal is also fully consistent with the aspiration of building a united, inclusive and forward-looking Malaysia. 

A nation becomes stronger when every citizen sees his or her heritage respected within the national story. 

Recognition of history is not about creating division; it is about strengthening mutual respect and reinforcing the bonds that unite us.

KGCB therefore proposes the establishment of a Joint Sabah–Sarawak Historical Recognition Working Committee, comprising respected historians, constitutional scholars, educators, Indigenous community leaders, youth representatives, cultural organizations and professionals from both States.

The Committee’s responsibility would be to prepare a comprehensive White Paper for submission to the Prime Minister after broad consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

The White Paper may include the following recommendations:

1. To promote a more complete understanding of Malaysia’s formation, highlighting the important contributions of Sabah and Sarawak.

2. To preserve and document the history of the Kadazan, Dayak and other Indigenous peoples through research, archives and oral history projects.

3. To strengthen Indigenous languages, cultural heritage and traditional knowledge for future generations.

4. To encourage greater inclusion of Sabah and Sarawak history in school and university educational materials.

5. To recognise the historical contributions of significant Indigenous organisations and community leaders whose service has contributed to Malaysia’s development.

6. To establish a National Digital Indigenous Heritage Archive to preserve historical documents, photographs, recordings, manuscripts and traditional knowledge for future generations.

7. To encourage closer collaboration between the Federal Government and the Governments of Sabah and Sarawak in promoting Indigenous heritage, research and cultural preservation.

8. To promote annual national forums, cultural exchanges and youth leadership programmes that strengthen understanding among all Malaysians.

9. To enhance Malaysia’s international profile by promoting the rich Indigenous heritage of Sabah and Sarawak through cultural diplomacy, academic cooperation and international cultural exchanges.

10. To present a balanced, well-researched and evidence-based White Paper to the Prime Minister for consideration by the Cabinet after comprehensive consultation with all stakeholders.

In addition, KGCB proposes that consideration be given to establishing a National Sabah–Sarawak Indigenous Heritage Council to serve as an advisory body on historical preservation, cultural education and heritage promotion. Such a council would work collaboratively with existing institutions and would help preserve valuable historical records for future generations.

This initiative should also encourage universities and research institutions to undertake further studies into the history, languages, customary laws, leadership traditions and cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak. 

Knowledge preserved today becomes a priceless legacy tomorrow.

Malaysia’s cultural diversity is also a significant economic asset. Greater recognition of Indigenous heritage will contribute to cultural tourism, creative industries, traditional crafts, local entrepreneurship, museums, festivals and international cultural exchanges, creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth while preserving our unique identity.

Above all, this proposal is an investment in future generations. Every Malaysian child should grow up understanding that the nation was built through the collective efforts of many communities, each contributing its own traditions, values and aspirations to the Malaysian family.

Kadazan Global Community Berhad respectfully invites the Governments of Sabah and Sarawak, Members of Parliament, community leaders, historians, academics, youth organizations and civil society to participate in this national initiative. 

Through dialogue, research and cooperation, we can produce a balanced historical record that honours the past while inspiring the future.

This is not solely a Kadazan initiative. 

Nor is it solely a Dayak initiative. 

It is a Malaysian initiative that celebrates the diversity upon which our nation was founded. 

By acknowledging the contributions of all our communities, we strengthen national unity, reinforce mutual respect and preserve the spirit of partnership that gave birth to Malaysia.

As we approach the future with confidence, let us also honour the journey that brought us here. 

History should unite us, not divide us. Recognition should inspire, not exclude. 

Our shared heritage is one of Malaysia’s greatest strengths, and preserving it is a responsibility we owe to future generations.

KGCB respectfully hopes that, following constructive consultation throughout Sabah and Sarawak, this proposal may be favorably considered by the Government and, in due course, presented to the Cabinet as a positive nation-building initiative that strengthens Malaysia’s unity, honors its history and enriches its future.

“This proposal does not seek to rewrite Malaysian history. It seeks to complete it by ensuring that the invaluable contributions of the Indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak are fully reflected in our national narrative, for the benefit of all Malaysians. 

Datuk Lawrence Sinsua

Lawrence is Founder and President of Kadazan Global Community Berhad (KGCB)

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