Book on Kadayans of Borneo launched

A book about the Kadayan people, whom the author described as part of "the Mystic of Borneo", was launched by Sabah's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Masidi Manjun (centre, pix above) in Kota Kinabalu Thursday. The book was written by university lecturer and newspaper columnist Amde Sidik (right). Also present was Tengku Datuk Zainal Adlin, president of the Sabah Society in whose premises the launching ceremony was held. Tengku Adlin is also Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board which co-organised the ceremony. This is the third book by Amde, who holds multiple degrees including one in law. His earlier books were "Writing From The Tip of Borneo" and "I beg to differ - Sabah notes". Before entering into part-time lecturing both in Kota Kinabalu and Australia, Amde served the Sabah Foundation as Senior Legal Officer cum Executive Assistant to the Director. This is the first book on the Kadayans, most of whom if not all are Muslims, written by a Kadayan himself. There are about 300,000 Kadayans in the world, with most residing in Sabah (mostly Sipitang and Labuan), Sarawak and Brunei on Borneo island and hence the title of the book.

In the course of researching for the book, Amde discovered, to his surprise, that pockets of Kadayans (not being sea-farers) made a silent sojourn to Penang off Peninsular Malaysia at the same time Francis Light landed on the island in 1786 or possibly even earlier. Another interesting finding was the tracing of the family tree or linage of the present prime minister of Malaysia. On his maternal side, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's mother was a 5th generation Kadayan! "This is interesting and could that have been the reason why the PM has a soft spot for Sabah?," asked Masidi in his speech, drawing laughter from the floor. The Minister was apparently referring to the goodies that the PM distributed to Sabah during his last two visits to the State in as many months following the March 8 election in which the ruling BN lost its two-thirds majority in Parliament as well as control of 5 state governments.

Amde being congratulated by the State Assemblyman for Sindumin in Sipitang (Amde's hometown) Ahmad Bujang who is a Kadayan after he presented the latter with a copy of his book.

Former Malaysian Senator Haji Isli Siput who is a Kadayan receiving a copy of the book from Amde.

Sabah Society president Tengku Adlin being presented a copy of Amde's book. The Tengku (prince) is a former Deputy Director of the Sabah Foundation where Amde once served.

A book for my teacher too. Mr G. Thanda receiving the book from his former student Amde who made special mention of the now retired educationist in his speech. Amde said Mr Thanda looked after him in secondary school in Sipitang in the early 1970s. "If not for him, may be I still can't spell my name properly," Amde said.

Masidi showing off the latest book published by the Sabah Society on Mount Kinabalu, South East Asia's highest and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The author busy obliging requests for his autogaph. From right are Mr Thanda (Amde's teacher), Sindumin Assemblyman Ahmad Bujang and former Senator Isli Siput.

A thank you and congratulatory handshake between student and teacher. Quite touching. After all, it has been decades since the teacher 'looked after' the student.

Amde's son showing off two of his three books. On the left is Amde's wife.

Two of Amde's books. The other one, now sold out, was "Writing From The Tip of Borneo". Congratulations Amde! Well done, keep it up. One up for the Kadayans.

(Footnote: Amde is also a blogger - http://kadayanjournal.livejournal.com.