Principal honoured with Keningau Kaamatan 2025 Special Award for Lifelong cultural contributions
Rozie, recognised for her lifelong contributions to Indigenous culture and education.
KENINGAU (May 13): In a heartfelt tribute to her decades-long dedication to preserving Sabah's Indigenous culture, Saitinie @ Rozie Binti Gitang, 69, was honoured with the Keningau District Kaamatan 2025 Special Award.
The prestigious recognition was presented during a symbolic ceremony by Datuk Robert Tawik, Vice President of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), who also serves as Assistant Works Minister and Bingkor Assemblyman.
Also present at the event were Liawan Assemblyman Datuk Annuar Ayub Aman and KDCA Keningau Coordinator Chairman Rafie Datuk Robert.
Rozie currently serves as principal and chairperson of Sekolah Adat Anak Negeri Sabah (SAANS) DSP GS Sundang Keningau. She is widely regarded as one of the earliest and most influential advocates for the preservation of Dusun language, literature, and heritage.
'This award is not mine alone. It belongs to everyone who believes that tradition and culture are not relics of the past, but the living soul of who we are,' Rozie said tearfully.
Her recognition received widespread praise, with many attendees calling the award long overdue. Some even urged KDCA Central to nominate her for a state-level honour or the honorary title 'Datuk' in recognition of her outstanding contributions.
Rozie's work spans more than 40 years, including key leadership roles in cultural and educational organisations.
Her notable positions include: Chairperson, Kadazandusun Writers' Association (1981–1987); Chairperson, Women Writers Association, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (1998–2005); Lifetime member, KDCA (since 1998) Principal & Chairperson; SAANS Keningau (2023–2025); Deputy Director, SAANS Interior Zone (2024–2025); Chairperson, SK Luagan Alumni (2019–2025); Assistant Secretary, PKDBKS (2023–2025); Chairperson, KRT Kg Toboh Baru (2024–2025); Deputy Chairperson, Keningau Retirees Association (2019–2025) She is also an acclaimed Dusun-language writer, known especially for her work in the traditional poetic form sisindiron. Her notable publications include: Sudawil Ponontudukan (Kadazan Language Foundation, 1998 & 2000), Kirasuk Sinombiaka and 50 Other Dusun Sisindiron (2000), I Don't Speak Dusun (1995),
Dusun Psychology: The Concept of Kobilangan and Lai Culture (2018), Concept of Intelligence in Dusun Society (UMS, 2016).
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