MNC Vows to Champion Momogun Identity and Socioeconomic Advancement

12 July 2025

PENAMPANG: The Momogun National Congress (MNC) remains steadfast in its mission to secure full and unambiguous official recognition of the term “Momogun” as a unifying identity for Sabah’s indigenous peoples.

Speaking at the MNC Installation Night held last Friday, MNC President Tan Sri Wences Angang reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to this cause, despite objections from a minority of Momogun factions. He highlighted that 77 indigenous NGOs across Sabah have voiced their support for “Momogun” as a collective name.

“We continue to await the State Government’s approval of MNC’s resolution to adopt the Momogun Declaration, which calls for the inclusion of ‘Momogun’ in official government forms. This declaration has long been submitted to the Chief Minister and previously to the former Head of State, Tun Juhar,” he said.

He also called for the immediate implementation of a depoliticised Native Court structure, administered by permanent and pensionable officers.

During the ceremony, appointment certificates were presented to 29 Supreme Council members. As President, re-elected unopposed in the recent MNC elections, Wences emphasised the demographic and political significance of unity among the Momogun peoples.

“If the Kadazans, Dusuns, Muruts, Bisayas, Tidongs and Orang Sungai (Paitanic) peoples are listed separately, their numbers may appear minor. But collectively, as Momoguns, they comprise over one million of Sabah’s three-million-strong population,” he noted. “We face serious existential threats, and in response, we will continue our engagement with Momogun signatories and other NGOs to develop strategies to counter the pressures of globalisation.”

One such strategy involves positioning MNC within the global indigenous rights movement. Wences announced that preparations are under way for the third annual celebration of International Indigenous Peoples’ Day, to be held next month in Tenom.

Wences, a former assemblyman and Deputy Chief Minister, and himself a Momogun from the Tatana ethnic group, also revealed that MNC is exploring the launch of World Rural Development Day in partnership with Momogun NGOs, starting next year. This initiative aligns with the UN General Assembly's 6 July declaration reaffirming its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Quoting Manjira Mathai, Managing Director for Global Partnership and Africa at the World Economic Institute, Wences said:

“Rural communities are the quiet wheels that power our world: hubs of food production, guardians of critical ecosystems, and anchors of cultural heritage. Yet they remain among the most underinvested and overlooked. As the world confronts the polycrises of climate change, poverty, and food insecurity, rural transformation is no longer optional, it is essential.”

To enhance the socioeconomic prospects of Momogun youth, Wences announced the expansion of the “Be an English Speaker Today” (BEST) programme, run by the Institute for Indigenous Economic Progress (INDEP), to improve English proficiency.

“English is a crucial tool that will enable Momoguns to secure higher-paying jobs and engage effectively in global platforms,” he emphasised.

In closing, Wences thanked MNC members for entrusting him with another three-year term and congratulated the newly appointed Supreme Council members. The Supreme Council consists of President Tan Sri Wences Angang; Deputy Presidents Pediman Jabau and Dato’ Seri Hj. Sahran Hj. Untai; Vice Presidents Clarice Irine B. Moji, Marie Jouti, Monih Epin, Mathius B. Manang, and Clance Puin Pinduruh; Honorary Secretary Philix Laimon; Deputy Honorary Secretary Shirlie M. Matinus; Honorary Treasurer Victoria Kong; Organising Secretary Lydia John; Deputy Organising Secretaries Maniah B. Runggi and Lidwina.

The Ordinary Supreme Council Members are Richard Munang, Daria Joseph, Dr. Salumah Nain, Alfred Korom, Datuk Stephen Sampil, Dr. Alvie Lo, Janet Boyou, Agil Bajarai, Tony Paridi Bagang, Datuk John Maluda, Melanie Annol, Francis Maluda, Dr. Azlan Shafie Abdulah, and Datuk Raymond Boin Tombung.