When OKK Rampas Gumpai performed his duty as a court official, his wisdom and intelligence in settling court cases was acknowledged both by his friends and adversaries. A story was told by Dungko to illustrate how OKK Rampas successfully solved a case. This particular case had remained unsolved after four years even after being handled by a few OKK’s in a few districts. Finally, when this was referred to OKK Rampas in 1958, he commented:
“This is an easy case to resolve. I don’t need the courtroom setting involving tables and pens”.
On the day of hearing, a lot of people came to see how the case would be settled. OKK Rampas started by asking the people concerned to put the buffalo in the middle of a large field. The dispute in this case was that the ownership of this buffalo had been claimed by two persons, one Lotud and one Bajau. Then, he asked the Lotud and the Bajau to stand at either end of the large field. Once this was done, he asked both men to call out to the buffalo. Whoever the buffalo decided to go to would be declared the owner. After intense shouting and urging by both parties, the buffalo finally moved to the direction of the Lotud. OKK Rampas announced the decision which was followed by intense clapping and a standing ovation by the audience.
According to some people, the way he resolved the dispute elevated the public perception of his capability to a new level. At the same time, this had also caused great distress and jealousy among some of his peers and colleagues.
It was told that a month after the court case, he was invited to a celebration in Tuaran. The next day, he fell sick and vomited blood. Many people believed that he was poisoned and he never fully recovered and he eventually died in 1966. It was also during this period of time that he re-married his 4th wife, Limpoton.
A few questions came to mind after I read this story:
1. If the dispute on the ownership of the buffalo really dragged on for four years, what happened to the poor animal during this rather long period? Where was it kept and who was responsible for its well being?
2. Could a buffalo still manage to distinguish its rightful owner after a lapse of four years?
Reading this story also reminded me of a similar story found in 1 King 3:16-28. Instead of a buffalo, the "ownership" of a baby was being disputed by two women. The judge was none other than King Solomon. The story ends with this statement after the verdict was pronounced:
"When all Israel heard about the judicial decision which the king rendered, they respected the king, for they realized that he possessed supernatural wisdom to make judicial decisions".
Whether it was due to Rampas' wisdom or his other leadership quality, he and his brother Dungko were sought and courted by politicians aspiring to climb the political ladder. One such personality was Donald Stephens who later became Mohammad Fuad Stephens after his conversion to Islam. Donald Stephens later rose to become the first chief minister of Sabah.
Rampas could rest in peace to know that the Rampas' name continues to live on and is still very much associated with public service. It is hoped that his son, YB Datuk Louis Rampas, an active politician belonging to PBS would not disappoint the people who voted him to represent them in Kiulu. But more importantly, I pray that he would reflect on his humble root and the huge extended family tree which consists of people of all creeds and colour and strive to promote a more inclusive brand of politics that is so much needed for the well being of Sabah!
Donald Stephens third from left flanked by Rampas and Dungko on his right and left respectively with other local community leaders in 1962. Donald Stephens was a founder of UNKO/UPKO (United National Kadazan Organisation/United Pasokmomogun Kadazan Organisation).
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