Pairin : Up to them
Sunday, 6 July 2003 (Source: Daily Express)

Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan said on Sunday that he accepted the title of Huguan Siou or Paramount Leader 19 years ago with a sincere heart to unite the Kadazandusuns in the State.

He said those who questioned or disputed his role were entitled to do so but as Paramount Leader of the Kadazandusuns, he would carry on with his duty to unite the Kadazandusuns and fight for their interests.

“I never chased for the title. It is not something that one can ask or apply for,” he said when asked to comment on an ongoing debate on the Huguan Siou title and his role.

Pairin was met at the Nunuk Ragang Monument, about 50km from here (along Ranau-Telupid Road), for the Eighth Nunuk Ragang Visit and ceremony to commemorate his 19th anniversary of installation as the Huguan Siou.

Pairin, who is also Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) President, said those who questioned or disputed his role, perhaps, have yet to fully understand the real role of the Huguan Siou.

“Actually, we need to see this from the beginning (of his installation as Huguan Siou),” he said, adding that he was installed as the Huguan Siou in 1984 and not 1985 as stated by some in the debate.

“At that time I was already in politics. I wasn’t looking for fame or position as it (the title) is not something one can ask or apply for,” he stressed.

Pairin, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President, explained that he had, when he was first offered the title, suggested that the title be given to Datuk James Ongkili.

“However, Datuk James declined and said it should be given to other people, especially (the then Chief Minister) Datuk Harris Salleh but this was not well received by the people,” he said. “Our people were certainly not happy about it. Finally, when it was offered again to me, I accepted because considering the situation then, I felt it was my social responsibility to accept it.

“Of course, I knew then the implications, role and responsibility of holding the title. I knew that the coronation of Huguan Siou started in Kota Belud, Tambunan, Penampang, Tuaran and then Kudat.

“Therefore, it is up to whoever is disputing this. I had accepted the offer with a sincere heart,” he added.

Pairin said that as a normal human being, he might not possess the skills or strength of the Huguan Siou of the old days such as “leaping to a great height”.

“But as the Huguan Siou of today, we try to manage ourselves the best we can to show that we are living up to the responsibility the best we can and not because we are chasing for the title,” he said.

In this respect, Pairin hoped the community would be more understanding and give due support that the title deserves.

“The title will be passed on to another Kadazandusun leader later, so it is up to the community to evaluate the responsibility of the title holder so that it can be used as the institution to further cement kinship among the community of Nunuk Ragang,” he said.

Asked on the level of unity among the community during his 19 years’ reign as the Huguan Siou, he said there has been an increase of awareness among the community on this.

“Surely the spirit of kinship is one that we want to inculcate among the community which we need to continue to enhance for the benefit of the community in future,” he said.

Thousands of people converged at the Nunuk Ragang Monument to witness the symbolic “Mononglumaag, Mongimuhau and Moningolig” as well as the “Mogorib Tindalam” ceremony, organised by KDCA.

Also present were members of the KDCA Supreme Council and Council of Elders, as well as some of the 2003 Unduk Ngadau beauty queen finalists led by Sabrina Stephen.