KDCA deputy president Jeffrey Kitingan said they reached an agreement with Marcel Jude Joseph to resolve the issue after the lawyer agreed to a “sogit” (compensation) of seven buffaloes to the KDMR community, through the KDCA, within 14 days.

Joseph is also required to publish a half-page public apology in a local newspaper of his choice.

Kitingan and Joseph signed the agreement at the KDCA office in Penampang near here today, witnessed by other association officials.

“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 court in Sabah,” Kitingan said in a statement.

“On behalf of KDCA and all the associations affiliated with us, we have agreed not to pursue the court action against Joseph, and we consider this matter to be closed.

“Therefore, we are asking the whole KDMR community to bury the hatchet and do what we have always done, which is promote peace and reconciliation.”

In response, Joseph expressed remorse for offending the KDMR community, insisting it was not his intention to cause pain to anyone, least of all the community.

Joseph, who is defending Sabah politician Phillip Among against five charges of outraging the modesty of two women, had previously apologised for the insulting remarks on the Unduk Ngadau pageant in his bail submission for his client.

In his written bail application for Among, Joseph had likened the beauty pageant to an “exotic cattle show” and an “auction show”, prompting many to hit out at him.

They included KDCA Youth Council chairman Joanna Kitingan, who urged the lawyer representing Among, a Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) member, to retract his remarks and apologise.

“I sincerely, unreservedly and wholeheartedly apologise for the relevant parts of the court submission which have caused hurt, pain and suffering,” Joseph had said in a statement in June.

He also apologised to the pageant’s organising committee as well as past and present beauty contestants.

In his statement today, Kitingan, who is also deputy chief minister, explained that the resolution had the blessings of the Huguan Siou (community’s paramount leader) Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who had also demanded that the issue not be prolonged.

The number of buffaloes is determined by the seven customs and traditions of the KDMR. A buffalo costs between RM2,500 and RM3,000 in the market now.

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

To ensure that the issue is not repeated, Kitingan said the Huguan Siou had directed the KDCA to erect an oath stone within the KDCA grounds listing the most important customs and traditions of the community.

He said each village in Sabah is also encouraged to erect their own oath stones or any permanent notice, listing down their customs and traditions, which must be respected by community members and outsiders.

Commenting on the outcome of the agreement, Joanna, who is also the Unduk Ngadau committee chairperson, said women have always been held in the highest regard within the KDMR community.

“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 would be prudent to learn about our history and respect our customs,” she said.