Dumpas association urged to unite in preserving culture, language
BELURAN: The Sabah Dumpas Association should continue to emphasize its mission to highlight the tribe’s culture, said Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.
He said the role played by the association would encourage and accelerate the interest of the Dumpas ethnic group to be recognized as one of the main groups in the state.
He said that Dumpas ethnic group was now being categorised as sub-ethnic group under the Dusun ethnic group.
“The unity of its members must continue to ensure the uniqueness of this Dumpas ethnic culture survives.
“At the same time, the unique Dumpas language should also be passed from generation to generation,” he said when opening the Sabah Dumpas Cultural Festival in Kampung Perancangan, here recently.
Also present were Sabah Tidung Association president Datuk Juslie Ajirol, Beluran District Officer Suhaili Riman, Telupid District Officer Benedict Asmat, Beluran Umno Wanita Chief Endang Datu Asibi, Beluran Umno Youth Chief Samad Jambri and Sabah Dumpas Association president Abdul Wahab Ghani,
Ronald, who is also Beluran Member of Parliament, said the association should continue to work for cultural advancement and not to be hampered by political rallies.
He said it would hurt the association if political differences limit understanding among members.
Meanwhile, Ronald said the Beluran parliamentary office would continue to build closure relationships with all ethnic associations in the Beluran area.
This is because, he said he described these associations as a platform that could unite the various races.
Earlier, Abdul Wahab in his speech called for the members of the association to continue to support the government so that the objective of racial unity in the country would be further strengthened.
He said it was the intention of the association to actively introduce Dumpas culture especially in the state.