Commemorating history: Hajiji (right) browsing through some of the photos on display at the ‘The Murut Journey to New York’ exhibition at Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
KOTA KINABALU: A documentary featuring a Murut man’s journey to New York in the 1930s was launched by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here.
Said to be the first Murut to step foot in New York in 1936, Saudin Labutau overcame many challenges to travel from the Borneo jungle to make it all the way to the United States 86 years ago.
The Murut are an indigenous ethnic group comprising 29 sub-ethnic groups inhabiting the northern inland regions of Borneo, such as Sabah, parts of Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan.
Hajiji said the story of Saudin was fascinating, adding the latter’s courage should be an inspiration to all, especially the younger generation.
“This is Saudin’s legacy, not just for his children, but his bravery should be emulated by all our youths.
“Always be brave with a heart of steel when facing challenges and never stop learning,” he said at the launch of the documentary, Saudin The Orangutan Whisperer and The Murut Journey to New York – 1936 exhibition at the Azman Hashim Gallery and Sekafi Auditorium in UMS here yesterday.
Hailing from Kampung Ambual in Sabah’s interior Keningau district, Saudin made the journey at the age of 26 after he was recruited by renowned American documentary filmmakers, Martin and Osa Johnson.
Despite lacking basic education, Hajiji pointed out that Saudin was not someone who was easily intimidated, adding he was brave and liked challenges.
“Although his job was to take care of an orangutan named Abai in New York, we could not imagine the obstacles that Saudin must have gone through living in an alien world so far away from his family.
“Yet, he persevered. I was so touched,” he said of Saudin, who passed away in 1986.
The Chief Minister said he did not hesitate to give his full support after seeing a preview of the documentary by the producer and Saudin’s descendants, who came to see him last month.
Hajiji praised Rye Production Sdn Bhd and everyone who helped make the documentary, which will also be shown on History Channel Asia.
“This is priceless because not only does it depict Saudin’s life journey but also draws attention to the unique image of Borneo that has made Sabah a tourist destination,” he said.
