KOTA KINABALU: A lawyer who allegedly insulted a native beauty pageant (Unduk Ngadau) by comparing it to a cattle show has agreed to pay a “sogit” (fine/compensation) of seven buffaloes after a deal was struck with local native leaders.

       The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) has reached an agreement with Marcel Jude Joseph to resolve the issue of his alleged insult of the ethnic Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) communities during a court hearing in June for his client, Philip Among.

       Among was charged with outraging the modesty of two women including an Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Queen) participant during this year’s Harvest Festival celebrations.

       In a statement, KDCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said Jude agreed to settle a sogit of seven buffaloes to the three communities through the association within 14 days.

       Jude was also required to publish a half-page public apology in a local daily of his choice, said Jeffrey, who is also a Sabah Deputy Chief Minister.

       “This agreement will be registered with the Native Court in Penampang. Both parties have agreed not to challenge the terms of the agreement in any existing courts in Sabah.

       “On behalf of KDCA and all the associations affiliated with us, we have agreed not to pursue court action against Jude, and we consider this matter closed,” Jeffrey said during a meeting with Jude and other native community leaders at the KDCA office in Penampang yesterday.

       He explained that the resolution has the blessing of KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is the communities’ Huguan Siou or paramount leader. Pairin did not want the issue to drag on.

       The number of buffaloes for the fine is determined by the seven varieties of the KDMR customs and traditions. The buffaloes cost between RM2,500 and RM3,000 per head.

       “The importance of the public apology cannot be overstated. Although Jude has apologised to the Unduk Ngadau committee and the contestants, he has agreed to issue another public apology,” he said.

       To ensure that this issue does not recur, Jeffrey said the Huguan Siou has directed the KDCA to erect an oath stone within the association grounds listing the most important customs and traditions of the KMR people.

       Each village is also encouraged to erect its own oath stone or any permanent notice, listing down its customs and traditions, which must be respected by the community members and outsiders in the village.

       Jude, in addressing the KDCA committee, expressed his remorse for offending the native community, insisting that it was never his intention to cause pain to anyone, least of all the native communities.

       State-level Unduk Ngadau committee chairperson Joanna Kitingan said women are always held in the highest regard within the native communities.

       “Because women play important roles, particularly in the spiritual realm, insulting the women in our community is highly offensive. You have come to our land and enjoyed the fruits of our lands. It will be prudent to learn about our history and respect our customs,” she advised.