Some may admire Penampang for what it is. Some may dislike, even hate, Penampang for what it stands for. Some may love Penampang for reasons best known to them.
When Penampang experienced a serious flood a few years ago, some people rejoiced, even stating that the flood was a punishment from the Almighty. This was a clear demonstration of hate. Could there be some truth in the rumour that there are certain elements who have the intention to undermine the people of Penampang?
Penampang people have a mind of their own. They demonstrated this a number of times when even Penampang-born leaders were rejected by its constituents in spite of the dire consequences. This could be a reason for some, if not many, people to dislike Penampang.
But why must anyone dislike or hate Penampang?
The people of Penampang have as much right as people in other places to think and act in their best interest. However, you may encounter one or two staying at Penampang, who are very unhappy with what is happening at Penampang. These people may have disappointing, even humiliating, encounters with certain people here, including leaders.
Many families owe some gratitude to Penampang. After St. Michael's School was built, many students from places as far away as Tambunan and Kuala Penyu came to study at Penampang. The children and the grand children of these former students of St. Michael's have much to be thankful for. They could be quite well off now. And this was made possible by their grandparents having studied at Penampang.
Also, Penampang had always been pioneers or at the forefront in various endeavours to improve the lot of the native people. It was from here that the forerunner of the Kadazan-Dusun Cultural Association was first initiated. UNKO was first established at Penampang. During the religious persecution in the past, the leadership to fight for justice was provided by leaders from Penampang particularly in the person of the Late Datuk Peter Mojuntin.
People continue to flock to Penampang because they can see the great potential of Penampang. It may even outshine Kota Kinabalu in the future. It is at the strategic place connecting Kota Kinabalu, Papar and the interior regions. This is not too far-fetched. The face of Penampang will definitely change with the completion of the Pan-Borneo Highway. There is a high probability that this will come to pass.
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