Indigenous leadership in Sabah: perceptions of KDM's youth towards Huguan Siou / Jackmatler Maturin and Joe Gary J.R Martin

Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia; it is situated at the northern part of the Island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. It covers area 72 500 sq kilometers with a coastline of 14 400 kilometers long washed by the South China Sea in the west, the Sulu Sea in the northeast and the Celebes Sea in the east. The Kota Kinabalu City is the capital of SABAH, set between lush, tropical hills and fronting emerald green waters vibrant and exciting yet serene and uplifting, what with its eco-treasures from top to bottom. Formerly known as Jesselton before its name was changed in 1986 to Kota Kinabalu, the state capital is also affectionally called KK by locals. Known as The Land Below The Wind' because geographically, it is below the typhoon belt. The three million population of SABAH is as diverse as its ecology.

The indigenous people of Sabah are friendly and possess rich traditions and cultures. There are over 30 different ethnic groups and more than 80 local dialects in the state. The one of largest indigenous groups of Sabah is the Kadazan-Dusun Murut (KDM), approximately about a third of the population in Sabah. These are the prosperous rice producers of Sabah, although in recent times many have ventured into other trades. Living in the interior plains they are well known for their unique customs that feature female priestesses called 'bobohizan' presiding over still practiced ancient rituals. One way you can gain insights into their culture and dances is to visit the Monsopiad Cultural Village in Kota Kinabalu. Mostly Murut being agriculturists and hunters, they live in the interior region near the borders of Sarawak and Kalimantan. Once feared for their head hunting, the Muruts are great hunters with spears, blowpipes and poisoned darts. Many still reside in their traditional communal longhouses and they are well known for their elaborate displays of bride-wealth, dancing and feasting.

The Leader of KDM is also known as 'Huguan Siou'. The title "Huguan Siou" Office is an institutionalized Paramount Leadership of the Hongkod Koisaan (Unity Hall). It is currently headed by Huguan Siou Honorable Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan. The power and responsibility to bestow the Kadazandusun Paramount Leadership Title "Huguan Siou" rests with the KDCA, which, upon the vacancy of the Huguan Siou's Office, may hold an Extraordinary Delegate's Conference to specifically resolve the installation of their Huguan Siou. The Kadazandusun Cultural Association Sabah (KDCA) previously known as Kadazan Cultural Association (KCA), is a non-political association of 40 indigenous ethnic communities of Sabah, first registered under the Malaysian Societies Act 1966, on 29 April 1966 by the then Deputy Registrar of Societies Malaysia, J . P. Rutherford. However if no leader is considered worthy of the Huguan Siou's title, the office would rather be left vacant (out of respect for the highly dignified and nearly sacred office of the Kadazandusun's Huguan Siou), until such time as a deserving Kadazandusun leader is undoubtedly established.