By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 20: When one honours and respects their history and heritage, they can achieve wonders—as shown by the Kadazans who have adapted well to modernisation while preserving their heritage.
In a statement, political pundit Dato Peter Minos said this after his recent visit to the Monsopiad Heritage Village in Penampang, Sabah.
“You can see the history of the Kadazan people, including their customs and traditions, artefacts, cuisine, and games—it’s interesting to observe,” he said.
He said the guide brought him and his family to the first heritage site, which honoured past leaders and warriors who fought for their survival as a community.
Minos added that the guide then showed how Kadazans made fire from bamboos, as well as how they foraged for food and honoured their ancestors.
“Kadazans adapted well to modernisation. Our guide, a graduate who speaks excellent English and Bahasa Malaysia, seemed to know almost everything about the Kadazans.
“To quote her: ‘Modern education and English have really helped us—without them, we are nothing in this world’. Admirable words indeed,” he said.
He then added that the guide pointed towards Mount Kinabalu and explained that the Kadazans and Dusuns honoured the mountain as they believed the souls of their ancestors were there, guiding them with humility and wisdom.
“She further explained that they looked after the mountain, making it well-known and respected, which turned into a tourism destination,” he said.
He also expressed admiration towards them, who have turned Mount Kinabalu into a major tourist attraction while also preserving the sacred history behind it.
“It shows that when you honour and respect your history and heritage, you can achieve wonders. The Kadazans have proven this—and I salute them.” — DayakDaily
