BAJAU

There is a local Brunei perambahan “Kaya-Kaya Bajau.” If we refer to race distribution in Brunei, Bajau is not mention as indigenous group. Bajau is one of the 30 different ethnic races in Sabah with over 80 local dialects. The Bajaus are known for their many skills, from farming rice to rearing water buffaloes and making boats to riding horses. They are established mostly in Sabah’s coastlines, near the sea which is a central part of their culture. A peaceful lot, the Bajaus often put on shows demonstrating their awesome skill in horse-riding and handling for visitors during the annual ‘Tamu Besar’ Festival in Kota Belud.Sabah

But why Kaya-Kaya Bajau ? This is something to do with observation by old generation when Sabah was part of Brunei Empire. According to abis orang tetua the Bajaus have a unique habit: If they have money they’ll spend until no more in their hands. If somebody has the same habit (though he’s is not a Bajau) that person would be called Kaya-Kaya Bajau. Are the Bajaus have this habit in this modern days? Not likely nowadays. Some are rich and prosperous with lot of share in big establishments and money in banks. So what perumpamaan we’re to refer when confronting this group of people who spend vigorously until they’re broke ?