KOTA KINABALU: The term "Natives of Sabah" should be adopted in official government documents.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the adoption would represent all indigenous peoples in the state.
He added the current usage of "lain-lain" is not only insufficient, but also disrespectful.
"It fails to capture the rich diversity and contributions of Sabah's indigenous communities, thereby undermining their rightful place in Malaysia's cultural and historical narrative.
"The terms 'Momogun' and 'Kadazandusun', though widely recognised, are not inclusive enough.
"They primarily describe the Dusunic, Murutic, and Paitanic groups, and do not adequately represent other significant indigenous communities such as the Bajau, Bisaya, Kedayan, Irranun, and many others," he said in a statement.
He added the continued use of "lain-lain" is an affront to the dignity of Sabah's indigenous people, which reduces rich and varied cultures to a mere afterthought, categorising us as 'others' in our own homeland.
"This is unacceptable. We, the people of Sabah, are not "lain-lain"; we are a vibrant, integral part of Malaysia, contributing to its rich cultural mosaic and its progress as a nation.
"Therefore, I firmly advocate for the use of 'Natives of Sabah' or 'Anak Negeri Sabah'.
"These terms are not only inclusive but also legally grounded, being defined in Article 161A(6)(b) of the Federal Constitution and Article 41(10) of the State Constitution."