Folklore from Kampung Takuli, Beaufort

By : Justin Wong

Someone from the North Borneo History Enthusiasts group once asked me how Dusun people ended living in Kampung Takuli, Beaufort, which to his knowledge is a Bisaya kampung. I was stumped because I never thought of asking that question. I've taken for granted that the Dusun had always been there. I told myself that I would get to the bottom of this. Today finally I had the opportunity to do so. 

A childhood kampung friend (distant relative in fact) came to visit my farm this afternoon, his name is Ilon or Lon. His baptism name is Godfrey in fact but I'm more comfortable calling him Lon. 

Folklore from Bingkor

As told by Fazar Arif, NBHE member as she was herself was told by an old Bingkor lady.

Edited by : Justin Wong

Many years back I met an old lady in Bingkor (before all our wooden shop in Bingkor burnt down). I asked her if she could tell me some folklores (taangen) from Bingkor. She did tell me a story and as far fetched as it was she actually believed her story to be real. 

A long time ago in Bandukan, a man decided to go hunting. He brought his dog along with him to keep him company. They walked for a long long time and did not see anything. But as he went further in the jungle he suddenly saw a giant rock right infront of him. He was wondering why the rock was there in the middle of the jungle when suddenly his dog started barking like crazy. The dog barked non stop while it circled round the stone. This man tried to make the dog keep quiet but the dog just wouldn't stop. Soon he started getting curious why the dog wouldn't stop barking at the rock. So he looked for a very strong wooden pole that he could use to lift the rock. Once he found a strong wooden pole he sharpened it and pushed it underneath the rock. Because he was a strong man he managed to lift up the giant rock by himself. As soon as he lifted the huge rock he saw the ground underneath it opened up. 

Magical Gendang (Drum)

As told by Mr Richard Nelson Sokial. NBHE member and resident expert on Sabah historical architectures. Visit his website at http://sabahwarriors.blogspot.com

Edited by : Justin Wong

Source : Mr Herman Scholz NBHE member. www.flyingdusun.com

Richard has spoken to many elders from various Dusun communities and noticed the recurring theme of a magical 'gendang'. He wonders whether the 'gendang' mentioned in each of the Dusun tribes are the one and same. Editor's note : No doubt there are other versions out there but we are recording the ones we have heard. If you have an alternative telling, you are welcome to share with us.

Datuk Peter J. Mojuntin

Who was Datuk Peter J. Mojuntin? Why does this man has a statue of himself right in the middle of Donggongon Township, Penampang. If you guessed that he was a Sabahan politician, well, you're right but beyond that, what else? 

Source : Mr Frank Faurillo, NBHE member

Sabah's 20 Point Agreement

The 20 Point Agreement

Point 1: Religion
While there was no objection to Islam being the national religion of Malaysia there should be no State religion in Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah), and the provisions relating to Islam in the present Constitution of Malaya should not apply to Borneo

Point 2: Language
* a. Malay should be the national language of the Federation
* b. English should continue to be used for a period of 10 years after Malaysia Day
* c. English should be an official language of Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) for all purposes, State or Federal, without limitation of time.

Point 3: Constitution
Whilst accepting that the present Constitution of the Federation of Malaya should form the basis of the Constitution of Malaysia, the Constitution of Malaysia should be a completely new document drafted and agreed in the light of a free association of states and should not be a series of amendments to a Constitution drafted and agreed by different states in totally different circumstances. A new Constitution for Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) was of course essential.