Time to choose new Huguan Siou
AS the government in Malaysia has changed, so too has Sabah. Indeed, today, we find ourselves at a major crossroads. At stake is the question of how we as KDMs engage with the present government in Sabah and the PH government in Malaysia to ensure continued progress and development.
As a result of Tan Sri Joseph Pairin’s defeat at the hands of his own people during the recent GE14, the title of Huguan Siou or “Paramount Leader” which was bestowed upon him by the KDCA should now become public question and debate especially among the new generation of Kadazandusuns.
I think the reason for this is that the new generation of Kadazandusuns are hungry for real leadership because Pairin has been defeated, hence quite powerless and may no longer be able to act effectively as a fighter for their rights. To many of the Kadazandusun Gen-Ys, Pairin has not much teeth or courage to say and do what needs to be said and done.
This is so unfortunate because the Kadazandusuns are having their vision confused and blurred in this fast changing times. At one time this community placed Pairin on a high pedestal and esteem, but over the years the people’s trust and confidence in him have dwindled, because to them, Pairin along the way lost his fighting spirit and is no longer osiou (brave) enough to do and say the right things because he has become subservient to a greater political master.
Since then he has become so quiet and lethargic, never heard speaking of anything inspiring in parliament, and just making the routine placating platitudes in the Pesta Kaamatan or PBS Congress!
I recall when Pairin rose to power, it was not because of the people’s massive support but rather more to the people’s search for a leader who can give them a new hope.
If not because of the chaos in Berjaya or the problem of the eliminated Usno leaders, most probably Pairin would not have been made the Huguan Siou.
He has been the Tambunan assemblyman and Keningau Member of Parliament for a long time, but his leadership has proven to be unsuccessful because there are so many villagers in Tambunan and Keningau which are still dreaming of good roads, clean water supply and electricity long after 1985.
He also became the Chief Minister for almost a decade and he should have during that time made certain his constituencies were fully developed, so that there will be no reason for the people to feel disappointed in him. What happened is the other way round and it’s very disappointing to read the people’s grouses in his area.
As it is, Pairin should have taken the initiative to make sure the people who supported him were given the development opportunity in all aspects. Sadly, up till today the majority of KDM are still living below the poverty line.
The KDM chances of getting employment with the government have been restricted and very limited. Business opportunities are also limited as evidence of Pairin’s biggest failures as Huguan Siou. So, if the KDM fails consistently after more than 30 years of relaxed and play-safe leadership, and without disrespect to Pairin, it’s way past the urgent time to change the communal leader of Huguan Siou.
A Huguan Siou for the Kadazandusun community is meaningless if he is just a ceremonial and a docile one! He needs to speak up for the rights and justice of the community!
I propose that the best way to make this happen is through a change in this leadership by choosing a third Huguan Siou. I think he has had more than enough time to prove his ability, but clearly he’s failed in his leadership. That fact is on record. Now comes the pertinent question of who is the right and proper person to replace him?
There remains the unanswered question of whether the Huguan Siou should be a politician, whether he must be the KDCA president. If he must be KDCA president, then technically he speaks only for the members of the KDCA. So what platforms should he stand on, knowing that the Bisayas and the Muruts have their communal leaders too?
The KDCA has openly refused to recognise the Momogun National Congress as the NGO covering the whole Momogun communities (Kadazans, Dusuns, Muruts, Paitanics and Lundayehs), so is KDCA for selfinterest only or for the good of the whole community of indigenous peoples? How obvious that selfishness and self-importance is a factor in this matter!
There has also been the proposal to institutionalise the Huguan Siou, but to date no one has a clear idea of how this should be done. Obviously, there are many more issues to resolve in the matter, but what is most urgent now is that Pairin needs to step down and be replaced by someone with a wider perception towards the achievement of the dreams and aspirations of the Momogun people.