KOTA KINABALU: With anticipation building over the next Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT), a renewed call has been made for Huguan Siou (paramount leader of the Kadazandusun Murut communities) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan to be considered for the role.
This time, the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) is appealing to the “higher authorities,” particularly the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who holds the authority to appoint the TYT.
Highlighting the former chief minister’s extensive experience, leadership qualities, and contributions to both state and national development, KDCA secretary-general Datuk Suman Yasambun believes Kitingan is the ideal candidate for the position.
“He has devoted his life to assisting both the state and federal governments in nation-building, not only as a political leader but also through his involvement in non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“In the NGO sphere, he is widely accepted by Sabahans, regardless of ethnicity. We believe his qualities of dedication and acceptance across all segments of society in Sabah make him an exceptional asset for the state as TYT,” Yasambun told The Star on Wednesday (Nov 27).
He added that the title of Huguan Siou, a lifetime honour bestowed by the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) community, symbolises the highest respect and leadership.
“This title, conferred by the community and not by any government apparatus, is akin to the role of a sultan. Just as a sultan unites and commands reverence, so does Huguan Siou within our community,” Yasambun explained.
He said that Kitingan's efforts to elevate Sabah's ethnic culture were acknowledged by the state government when he was honoured as the Tokoh Etnik Peneraju (Ethnic Leadership Pioneer) during the Sabah Ethnic Day 4.0 celebration on Nov 16, held in conjunction with Governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin's 71st birthday.
Appointing Kitingan as the TYT, Yasambun said, would not only honour the KDM community but also reflect Malaysia’s diversity and inclusivity.
He described Kitingan as a unifying figure for Sabah’s multicultural society.
“This is a significant opportunity to showcase Malaysia’s harmonious and multicultural identity on a global stage,” he said.
He noted that this new appeal marks KDCA’s second attempt to nominate Kitingan for the TYT role.
Their first push in September 2022 saw Kitingan’s name included in a list forwarded for the King’s consideration.
However, the bid faced backlash, with some questioning Kitingan’s religious beliefs.
Yasambun dismissed these concerns, stating that the Sabah State Constitution does not mandate the TYT to be a Muslim.
He stressed that Sabah’s inclusion in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) guarantees freedom of religion.
“We have thoroughly reviewed the constitutional requirements, and he (Kitingan) meets all criteria for the position. Religion is not a determining factor,” Yasambun said.
He cited historical precedents, such as Malacca’s first non-Muslim Governor, Major-General Tun Leong Yew Koh, who served from 1959 to 1963.
“If Malacca can appoint a non-Muslim Governor, there is no reason Sabah cannot do the same,” he added.
Yasambun noted that KDCA’s call has received strong support from various KDM groups and individuals, describing it as a collective appeal from Sabah’s largest ethnic community.
“This is not just about tradition, it is about recognising a unifying figure who embodies the values and aspirations of Sabah’s people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed that a list of nominees for the TYT role would be submitted to the Agong soon.
Speculation is rife about who will succeed the current Governor, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, whose term ends on Dec 31, 2024.
Tun Juhar, who was appointed on Jan 1, 2011, has served three four-year terms, followed by a two-year extension beginning Jan 1, 2023.
Public discussions and social media are abuzz with possible candidates, including Tan Sri Musa Aman, Datuk Seri Nasir Sakaran, Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, and Tan Sri Pandikar Amin, among others.
As Sabah awaits a decision, the choice of the next TYT will undoubtedly carry symbolic significance for the state and its people.
