Festive Momogun Carnival Celebrates Indigenous Culture and Rights

20 September 2025

TENOM: Amidst a splendid display of pomp and pageantry, a vibrant carnival was held here today to celebrate the culture, heritage, and rights of Sabah’s indigenous communities.

The event coincide with the worldwide observances of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

Organised by the Momogun National Congress (MNC), the Momogun Carnival provided a powerful platform to foster unity and highlight the unique realities of life for the Orang Asal of Sabah.

After the opening ceremony, the Guest of Honour, Datuk Ewon Benedick, toured the exhibition booths hosted by the various ethnic groups.

He was warmly received at each stop, where he was honoured with traditional welcoming rites that evoked shades of ancient rituals.

In actual facts, according to MNC, the event's core objectives were to instil a spirit of mutual respect among all Malaysians and to preserve the rich tapestry of indigenous culture for future generations. This includes safeguarding their distinct identity, history, customs, and socio-economic development.

A central theme of the carnival was the advocacy for indigenous rights. Organisers emphasised the importance of raising awareness in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and called for the government to implement its provisions to ensure the community's advancement. The event also aimed to educate attendees on the rights and status of Indigenous Peoples as established in both the Federal and Sabah State Constitutions.

Furthermore, the carnival sought to enhance cooperation between the MNC, various ethnic associations, and Sabah's multi-ethnic communities.

The event was a feast for the senses, featuring a wide array of activities designed to engage and educate visitors. Highlights included, an educational forum and information centre focused on indigenous rights.

There was also an exhibition and sales stalls showcasing products from indigenous entrepreneurs, featuring local MADANI sales and various traditional products.

Other than that a live demonstrations of traditional craft-making and dynamic performances of traditional music and local songs were also held.

A traditional games competition, featuring events like bamboo stilts (Lansaran) and blowpipe (Menyumpit) as well

as traditional hut competition displaying authentic food, clothing, tools, and technology.

A storytelling performance (Manangon) and a traditional food competition was performed by children an soon after that the presentation of awards to distinguished Indigenous Person of the Year 2025.

The carnival was attended by ethnic groups from all over the State as well as a leader from an ethnic community from Kalimantan.

Notables in attendance included Tan Sri Wences Angang MNC President, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok SME Chairman, Alexander Liew District Officer and Monih Epin Organising Chairman.

The carnival provided a significant opportunity for the public to engage with and appreciate the profound cultural heritage of Sabah's indigenous peoples while addressing important contemporary issues facing their communities.