KOTA KINABALU — The Kadazandusun identity is intended to serve as a unifying umbrella for the many ethnic and sub-ethnic communities in Sabah, rather than to replace or diminish their distinct cultural heritages, said Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, the paramount leader of the community. Speaking at the closing of the Kadazandusun Dialogue 2026 held in Kota Kinabalu, Pairin emphasized the importance of preserving individual languages, customs, and traditions while fostering a shared collective identity.

Pairin, who also serves as president of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), explained that embracing the Kadazandusun identity provides a platform for Sabah’s indigenous peoples to advance together without sacrificing their unique cultural characteristics. Under the KDCA’s broad definition, the term “Kadazandusun” encapsulates 43 dialectical and tribal groups, reflecting a wide diversity of communities unified under one ethnic label.

“Kadazandusun is the umbrella of our shared identity. When we have a collective identity, we also have the foundation to build one collective voice,” Pairin said, highlighting that the KDCA aims to unite rather than erase diversity among native groups. Each ethnic and sub-ethnic community remains free to maintain its original name, language, customs, and heritage passed down through generations.

The dialogue concluded with leaders and representatives from 40 ethnic and sub-ethnic communities signing a Unity Charter. This document symbolizes their mutual commitment to respect, cooperation, and a shared future tied to the Kadazandusun umbrella. Pairin described the signing as more than a ceremonial act, characterizing it instead as a pledge to sustain unity, deepen collaborative efforts, and continue open dialogue among communities.

Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, KDCA deputy president, also called for sustained cooperation among Kadazandusun and Murut communities to preserve their cultural identities and rights amid ongoing social and political changes. Both leaders expressed hope that the Unity Charter would foster stronger inter-community partnerships, increase cultural and educational exchanges, and create opportunities for younger generations to carry forward their ancestral legacies.

The event underscored efforts to balance cultural preservation with collective progress, reflecting a broader movement within Sabah’s indigenous population to sustain distinct traditions while building solidarity and shared representation.