Kota Belud: Delegates to the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) annual meeting on Dec. 4-5 are urged to demonstrate a high sense of unity and understating among themselves, in compliance with the wishes of their ancestors. Stating this, KDCA chief bobolian (traditional priest) Aman Sirom Simbuna OKK Tarantab said the Kadazandusun communities had spread over seven generations into more than 40 ethnic groups, and they should be aware of the trust by the ancestors to foster greater unity. They should not indulge in negative activities to seek positions in the elections, he added. They could vie for the post of KDCA President, but not the Huguan Siouship (paramount chief) which is a life-long title of the Kadazandusun community, bestowed upon Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Pairin, who is Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Rural Development Minister, is also KDCA President. In this respect, Aman Sirom hoped the delegates vying for positions would maintain the concept of family cohesiveness of the Kadazandusun community as a whole, and treat the contest as a friendly affair. They should refrain from quarrels and false accusations that could split the community. (Source: Daily Express, Sabah - 25th Nov 2004)

KDCA post: Pairin leaves it to delegates 20 November, 2004 (Source: Daily Express, Sabah) Kota Kinabalu: Huguan Siou Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan is leaving it to the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) delegates to decide if he should be challenged for the KDCA presidency. Pairin, who is Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Rural Development Minister, however, said he had no idea if he would be challenged as reported in the media since nominations only closed on Friday. Met after officiating at the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) badminton tournament in conjunction with the party's 19th Annual General Meeting at the Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang near here Friday, he said the reports were not based on facts because Vice President Rayner F Udong "did not issue any statement". Nevertheless, Pairin said he was ready to consider any option when asked whether he was ready to face a challenge at the KDCA 10th Triennial Delegates Conference. "In any organisation, there will always be a process of elections&whether the President is being challenged or anyone for that matter," he said. He said it did not necessarily mean that there would be no challenge this time just because he was unchallenged at the previous delegates' conference. Pressed whether he was ready to face any challenge, he said he would prefer to wait until the right occasion. He said he was actually ready to retire but it was up to the delegates and whether they were ready to pick someone else. It was reported that at least three to four senior KDCA leaders have received nominations to vie for the presidency and that two of them had actually secured enough nominations to qualify to contest. The two are current deputy presidents Datuk Wilfred Bumburing and Datuk Clarence Bongkos Malakun.

After 41 years of independence the majority Kadazandusun Native population in Sabah has remained a de-franchised, poorest of the poor rural community. Why? What is holding them back? Are they incapable and not competitive as a community? Is their value systems and traditional cultural practices preventing them for adapting and coping with the changing borderless technology-electronic based environment? Has the Kadazandusun been suppressed and sidelined by government policies? Is it because they continue to be disunited politically? Or is it simply because of their attitude and ignorance? Whatever the reasons, it is time for the community to confront themselves, look into the mirror of life and accept their imperfections. They need to be honest to themselves, to accept their responsibilities and work together towards a common solution. All these are expected to be discussed at a two day KDCA Seminar to be held this Dec 27th-28th at Hongkod Koisaan (KDCA), Penampang. Datuk Dr. Jeffrey G. Datuk Kitingan , who is also the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) deputy chairman in a statement said this seminar would be held prior to the KDCA Triennial Delegates Conference on Dec 4th & 5th. The seminar was originally slated for Oct 14-15 but with the postponement of the delegates the seminar too had to be given a new date. Only 200 seats are available. Those who wish to participate are welcome and register with KDCA Headquarters. The registration fee is RM100.00. It could be paid in cash or by Postal Order or Money Order and paid to KDCA. The main objectives of the Seminar are, among others: To identify a common goad, vision and struggle upon which KD can hold and identify themselves. To identify problems and challenges faced by the KD community and to propose solution. To formulate effective policies, programmes and strategies to achieve the common goal. To organize a strong and effective organization or machinery to bind them together and allow them to move together in tandem to achieve their goal. Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Datuk Kitingan, who is also KDCA chief, would launch the 2-day seminar. The closing date for receiving and accepting participation form would be Nov 26. For further information, those who are interesting could contact Mr Rayner F. Udong - 019-8315357, Ms. Munam Charles - KDCA HQ 088-713696 and Fax: 088-713350 and Mr. Nestor Joannes - 013-8590953. Email: koisaan@kdca.org.my

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan has proposed that an ethnobotany traditional knowledge academy be set up in Sabah. He said the traditional knowledge, particularly in medicine utilising the abundant natural forest resources in Sabah and practised by natives such as the Bobohizan (priestess) and witchdoctors, could contribute to the State's economy. Pairin said the Bobohizan, who are known to be the most knowledgeable in traditional medicine practice using herbs, were diminishing and their craft might become extinct if no serious efforts were taken to preserve this heritage. "I am of the opinion that co-operation between the Government and NGOs could be implemented in order to achieve our objectives in preserving the traditional knowledge heritage, including the traditional medicinal information," he said. Pairin, who is also Rural Development Minister, was speaking at the launch of the Seminar on "Ethnobotany: Issues and Challenges in Documenting Traditional Medicine Information" organised by the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), at the Perkasa Hotel in Tenom, Tuesday. He also agreed with IDS Chairman, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, that a standard or benchmark was vital in the efforts to document traditional medicine information. China has its own traditional medicine collection called Shennong, while India has its own Ayurveda, and so Pairin said Sabah needs to have its own collection or pharmacopoeia. With the pharmacopoeia and academy set up, he said the people would have the information needed for practitioners, which in turn would enable them to be registered with the Traditional and Complimentary Medicine Council under the Health Ministry. Apart from the Government and universities, Pairin said NGOs like the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) and Partners of Community Organisation Sabah (Pacos) had been focusing on the issues involving traditional information such as intellectual rights and its protection, native community rights and bio-piracy. Bio-piracy, he said, was a negative issue where some individuals, especially outsiders, came here to steal the native knowledge. "Such discovery has resulted in big profit to the colonists while, on the other hand, the native country does not earn anything. This created injustice and unfortunately this remains until today," he said. However, Pairin said the State Government, in emulating its Federal counterpart, had in 2000 formulated the Sabah Biodiversity Enactment that, among others, provided for the setting up of the Sabah Biodiversity Centre. It functions as the centre of information dissemination to the government agencies, public departments and people, apart from being responsible for the management and sustainable utilisation of the biodiversity resources in Sabah. It is estimated that about two-third or at least 35,000 plants in the world have medicinal value, while in Malaysia there are about 4,000, some yet to be scientifically identified but used by the various ethnic groups. "With such vast knowledge, we have the strength and opportunities to further develop the herb industry," he said. Earlier, Pandikar said the World Bank estimated that the industry would be worth US$200 billion in year 2008 and US$5 trillion by the year 2050, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that between 65 and 80 per cent of the world's population were taking traditional medicine as the main healthcare product. In this respect, he said the traditional medicine often dubbed by the western countries as Green Gold was now in a dilemma due to the issues and challenges in order to strike mutual benefits among all. Communication problem, unwillingness to cooperate by the medicinal practitioners, indigenous property rights (IPR) and extinction of some species of herbs had been the missing link in the documentation efforts of traditional medicines. Source: Daily Express Oct 6th 2004

We welcome you to join the KDCA Klang Valley. For your information, your personal data will be kept in our DATABASE file (and all details will be kept Private & Confidential. Membership with KDCAKV will be under the catagory of 'unattached' member (RM11 for entry fee inclusive of RM1.00 one year fee, or Life member, RM300 payable one time only). Please refer to the membership info and application section. Kotoluadan.

One of our missions is simply to drive "Pisompuruan maya id Koubasanan" or Unity in Culture. We can build the planet together in the spirit of brotherhood and unity. Find out the names and the contact details of the 2001-2004 KDCAKV Committee. Coordinating Committee of? KDCAKV for the Year 2001 - 2004 CHAIRMAN Richard Bainon DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Dorothy Jennifer Ekol VICE CHAIRMAN Helen Paul Marinus Johnny (appointed) SECRETARY Julie Jidwin ASSISTANT SECRETARY Lindsay Cindy Ligadu (appointed) TREASURER Patrick Kandalis (appointed) Members : Nora Matuya Lester Dominic Cindyrella Udar Lester Maurice Debbie Disimond Ronnie Gobile (appointed) Jude Micory Lobijin (appointed) Osmond Moligan (appointed) Marius Kilau (appointed) AUDITOR Martin Alip (appointed)

Notice to all KDCA Klang Valley Coordinating Committee & members 1st Kaamatan 2005 meeting will be on the 15/1/2005 (Saturday), 3.30pm at Suitestay Executive Resident Hotel/Apartment Meeting room. The attendance of all Coordinating Committee members are very much appreciated. Any members who are interested to be part of the Kaamatan 2005 Organizer Team is very much welcome. Please contact 019-3700521 for further information. Kotohuadan & kopivosian.

For KDCA Website Online registration, please register your application here. The KDCA membership is open to the KADAZANDUSUN communities. The name ?KADAZANDUSUN? is the generic and overall ethnic label to encompass and cover the ollowing cultural, tribal, linguistic, dialectical and speech communities: (1) BONGGI, 2) BUNDU, 3) DUMPAS, 4) GANA, 5) GARO, 6) IDAAN, 7) KADAYAN, 8. KIMARAGANG, 9) KOLOBUAN, 10) KUIJAU, 11) LINGKABAU, 12) LIWAAN, 13) LOBU, 14) LOTUD, 15) LUNDAYO, 16) MAKIANG, 17) MALAPI, 18) MANGKAAK, 19) MINOKOK, 20) MURUT, 21) NGABAI, 22) PAITAN, 23) PINGAS, 24) RUMANAU, 25) RUNGUS, 26) SINOBU, 27) SINORUPU, 28) SONSOGON, 29) SUKANG, 30) SUNGAI, 31) TATANA, (32) TANGARA, 33) TIDONG, 34) TINDAL, 35) TOBILUNG, 36) TOLINTING, 37) TOMBONUO, 38) TUHAWON, 39) TUTUNG, 40) BISAYA ?.and of a person whose mother tongue is any of the above dialect and who habitually practices and xpresses the traditions, custom and other cultural manifestations of the same. Types of Membership There shall be six types of membership, namely;

1. ORDINARY Persons who have Kadazandusun fore bearers and who are 16 years or above shall be eligible to become ordinary members. Those below 18 shall be admitted as members with the prior written consent from their parents / guardians.
2. ASSOCIATE Any person other than a Kadazandusun who is above 16 years of age and who is married to a Kadazandusun and subscribes to the aims and objects of THE KOISAAN, shall be eligible to apply as an Associate Member, except that such a member is not entitled to vote or to hold office. Those below 18 shall be admitted as members with prior written consent from their parents / guardians.
3. GROUP Any registered non-political Association having Kadazandusun membership of not less than 30 at any one time whose members subscribe to the objects of THE KOISAAN shall be eligible to apply for membership as a Group member. The Central Committee shall have power to decide on the question of eligibility for group membership.
4. HONORARY Honorary membership hall be conferred with the approval of the Central Committee on person or persons who have rendered valuable services to THE KOISAAN. Such Honorary members shall enjoy the privileges of full membership except that they shall not be entitled to vote or to hold office.
5. LIFE Life member is any ordinary member who subscribes a sum of RM300.00 or any such sum as may be decided upon by the Central Committee from time to time. However, any changes to the amount shall be with the approval of the Registrar of Societies. This amount may be payable within three financial years with effect from the date on which he subscribes to be a life member.
6. UNATTACHED Unattached member is any member who is directly registered with THE KOISAAN?s Headquarters and who is not a member of any other Branch or is any existing member attached with a branch but choose to bee attached to THE KOISAAN Headquarters due to geographical or physical impracticality or dissolution of his former branch (as per Article 26 (5) in KDCA Constitutions), or any other reason whatsoever provided this intention is communicated in writing to the Secretary General and his membership had not ceases by operation of Article 9 in KDCA Constitutions.Where a member of a branch is also an attached member of THE KOISAAN Headquarters, such member shall be given an option to choose and be registered in either one.

Application of Membership

• Every application for ordinary and associate membership of THE KOISAAN shall be proposed and seconded by two existing members and shall be forwarded to the Secretary of the Local Branch, who shall, at the first convenient opportunity submit it to the Branch Committee for approval. The Branch Committee may at its discretion reject any application without assigning any reason thereof. Application for membership in centers where no branches have been established shall be dealt with in the same way by the Secretary General and the Central Committee.
• Every application for Group Membership shall be signed by the respective Secretary General of the Group and such application should be forwarded to the Secretary General of THE KOISAAN together with a list of names and addresses of all the members or the Group.
• Every application whose application has been approved as aforesaid shall, upon payment of the prescribe entrance fee be admitted as member of THE KOISAAN. He shall then be issued with a membership card as soon as practicable.

ARTICLE 9: CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP Any members or any types of membership shall cease to be one if any of the following events occur:

1. Upon death of a member or upon deregistration (for whatsoever reason) off a Group?s Association; or
2. Upon receipt of a written voluntary registration from membership; or
3. When he fails or neglect to pay subscription fee for three (3) year and hi arrears remain unpaid after having been served with notice by the Secretary General or any other person on the Secretary General?s behalf, to pay within a prescribed period; or
4. If he fails to observe or comply with the present rules, regulation, by-laws or resolution properly passed by THE KOISAAN; or
5. If he is expelled by THE KOISAAN for conduct which in the opinion of THE KOISAAN is injurious to the character of THE KOISAAN or the interest of the members. Provided always that before a member is expelled his conduct shall be inquired into by the Central Committee or a Committee appointed by the Central Committee and he shall be given full opportunity to defend himself and to justify his conduct.
6. A member who has ceased to be a member whether by resignation, expulsion or for any other reasons whatsoever shall not be entitled to any refund of his subscription.

ARTICLE 10: ENTRANCE AND SUBSCRIPTION FEES

1. The entrance fees for an ordinary or Associate or Unattached members shall be RM10.00 payable on application for membership; (Approved by ROS on 27 April 2001, ROS reference: SB.540/64(11);
2. The entrance fee for group membership shall be RM50.00 irrespective of number of members the Group has. (Thirty (30) or more) payable on application for membership;
3. The subscription fee for an Ordinary or Associate or Unattached member shall be RM1.00 per annum payable yearly in advance to the Branch Treasurers / Treasurer General. (Approved by ROS on 27 April 2001, ROS reference: SB.540/64(11);
4. Honorary members shall not be liable to pay any entrance or subscription fee.

For KDCA Website Online registration, please register your application here. Kotoluadan.