When OKK Rampas Gumpai served as a court official, his wisdom, intelligence, and fair judgment earned the respect of both friends and adversaries. One memorable story, often recounted by his brother Dungko, illustrates his remarkable ability to resolve even the most complicated cases.
This particular case, involving a disputed ownership of a buffalo, had remained unresolved for four years, despite being handled by several OKKs across multiple districts. Finally, in 1958, it was referred to OKK Rampas. Upon reviewing the case, he calmly remarked:
“This is an easy case to resolve. I don’t need the formality of a courtroom, or tables and pens.”
When the day of the hearing arrived, a large crowd gathered, curious to witness how he would settle the long-standing dispute. The case involved two men - one Lotud and one Bajau - each claiming ownership of the same buffalo. OKK Rampas asked the buffalo to be placed in the middle of a large open field, and then instructed the two claimants to stand at opposite ends. He told both men to call out to the buffalo. The man to whom the buffalo responded would be declared the rightful owner.
As the two shouted and coaxed the animal from afar, the crowd watched in tense anticipation. After a moment of hesitation, the buffalo slowly made its way toward the Lotud man. With that, OKK Rampas announced the verdict. The field erupted in applause, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation.
The creativity and fairness of his approach not only resolved the case but elevated public admiration for his judicial wisdom to a new level. However, his rising prominence also stirred jealousy and unease among some of his peers and colleagues.
It is said that about a month after the case, OKK Rampas attended a celebration in Tuaran. The next day, he fell seriously ill, vomiting blood. Many believed he had been poisoned. He never fully recovered, and sadly, he passed away in 1966. Around this time, he also remarried his fourth wife, Limpoton.
This story raises some intriguing questions:
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If the buffalo ownership dispute really dragged on for four years, what happened to the poor animal during that time? Where was it kept, and who was responsible for its care and well-being?
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Could a buffalo truly recognize and respond to its rightful owner after such a long separation?
The tale also brings to mind the biblical story from 1 Kings 3:16 - 28, in which King Solomon resolved a dispute between two women claiming to be the mother of the same baby. Instead of a buffalo, the contested subject was an infant. The story concludes with this powerful line:
“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 qualities, both he and his brother Dungko were often sought after and courted by aspiring politicians. One such figure was Donald Stephens - later known as Mohammad Fuad Stephens after his conversion to Islam - who would go on to become the first Chief Minister of Sabah.
Today, OKK Rampas can rest in peace knowing that his legacy endures. The Rampas name continues to be associated with public service and leadership. It is hoped that his son, YB Datuk Louis Rampas, an active politician from Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), will live up to the trust placed in him by the people of Kiulu. More importantly, I pray he reflects on his humble roots and the vast extended family tree - made up of people of all creeds, cultures, and colours - and strives to promote a more inclusive and compassionate brand of politics, something Sabah urgently needs for its continued harmony and progress.
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