Principal honoured with Keningau Kaamatan 2025 Special Award for Lifelong cultural contributions
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).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Indian superstar Rajinikanth back to thrill fans in 'Coolie'
KUALA LUMPUR: The immense diversity of Malaysia's population means that local film fans are always ready to embrace foreign films, whether they come from Hollywood, Bollywood, or Kollywood. The latest Tamil-language action thriller to capture their attention is Coolie, starring the legendary 75-year-old superstar Rajinikanth. Distributed by the Malik Streams group of companies, the film was released in cinemas nationwide on Aug 14. Driven by a desire to right past wrongs, the movie delves into a man's relentless and tumultuous quest for vengeance from his youth, which shapes his very existence and allows viewers to experience the complexities of his journey. In addition to Rajinikanth, the star-studded cast features fellow industry heavyweights such as Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran, the film has already been hailed as an exciting and unforgettable journey for Rajinikanth's fans, especially as he marks his 50th year in the film industry. Coolie has also reportedly set a new global record for the highest opening-day gross for its Tamil version, with Rajinikanth's return to the big screen proving to be a massive, thrilling spectacle. For local distributor Malik Streams, helmed by founder Datuk Malik, the film represents more than just a box office hit. The company is well-known in the Malaysian entertainment industry, and Datuk Malik serves as a direct liaison between local companies and giants in both Bollywood and Kollywood. Speaking about the film's potential, Datuk Malik said he expects a "grand celebration filled with energy, passion, and unstoppable fandom" from the Malaysian audience. He hopes the movie "sets new benchmarks and unites audiences across cultures." He believes the film is a must-watch, describing it as "history in the making." According to him, the film is a "grand opus with Rajinikanth and Aamir Khan sharing the screen for the very first time, backed by a stellar cast, and presented with Malay subtitles for everyone to enjoy." When asked to describe the legendary Rajinikanth in just three words, Datuk Malik didn't hesitate: "Legend. Power. Inspiration."
BusinessToday
3 days ago
- BusinessToday
Michelle Yeoh Powers Ne Zha 2's Global Leap with English Dub
Michelle Yeoh has lent her voice to the English dub of the Chinese blockbuster Ne Zha 2, bringing the character of Lady Yin, Ne Zha's mother, vividly to life. When the Oscar-winning actress was approached with the opportunity, her response was an enthusiastic 'Hell yes.' Known for her fluency in English, Malay, and Cantonese, Yeoh saw the potential in making this celebrated film more accessible to a wider audience. Ne Zha 2 has already made history as the highest-grossing animated film of all time in China, raking in over US$2.2 billion at the box office this year. Yeoh first watched the movie in Hong Kong and immediately thought it deserved an English-language version. Despite her familiarity with Mandarin, she found the subtitles difficult to follow given the action-packed and richly detailed animation—something she felt might prove even more challenging for younger viewers. The film itself draws on one of China's most enduring folk legends. Ne Zha, a rebellious child born from the reincarnation of a demon, has to prove his destiny isn't fixed. In the first film, he sacrifices himself. In the sequel, he's faced with saving both his friend and his village. For those unfamiliar with the original, there's no need to worry—the second film retells the essentials, ensuring new audiences aren't left behind. Yeoh grew up watching various adaptations of Ne Zha on television and film, but she says nothing has matched the visual ambition of this version. Ne Zha 2 took five years to make, with the combined efforts of 4,000 people across 138 animation companies. The finished feature runs to 143 minutes, boasting 2,400 animated shots and 1,900 special effects. 'They pushed all the boundaries,' Yeoh said. 'The intricacies are mind-blowing.' Bringing the film to English-speaking audiences required careful attention to language. Yeoh admits dubbing folklore is no easy task. 'With translation, a lot of the nuances are lost,' she explained. 'The Chinese language, especially with folklore, is very poetic. I think they struck a good balance—not too classical, but contemporary enough for today.' The subtitled version of Ne Zha 2 already made an impressive impact in North America, earning over US$20 million and drawing significant attention in Chinese communities, some of whom organised screenings in rented theatres. Now, with Yeoh's involvement and the new English-language version set to open widely across North America, the film is poised to resonate even further. Yeoh sees it as a beautiful cultural bridge, inviting viewers around the world to connect with the powerful story of an underdog fighting for acceptance. CNA
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
SG actress Lina Ng finally gets to be a doctor, or at least dress as one
Singaporean actress Lina Ng (right), with her husband Mike Lam (left) and their son at Joel's white coat ceremony on Aug 14. Photo: Lina Ng/Instagram As a child, Lina Ng dreamt of one day becoming a doctor. That did not happen, and over her 32-year acting career, the Singaporean has also never played one. However, on Aug 14, the 51-year-old finally got to be 'Dr Ng' for a few moments. And no, it was not for a drama. It was at the white coat ceremony of her second son, Joel Lam, who has been accepted into the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The ceremony was when the NUS Medicine Class of 2030 donned their first white coats and pledged to serve with integrity and compassion. The presentation of white coats by the faculty to the students symbolises their taking on the mantle of a doctor in training. Ng is married to former national bowler Mike Lam, in his 50s, and they have three sons – Jeriel, 21, Joel, 19, and Samuel, 14. In a video posted on Instagram, in the middle of posing for photos at the event, Joel removed the coat he was wearing and placed it on his mother, who was beaming from ear to ear. Ng said in the video: 'Wow, I always wanted to be a doctor, but it never came to pass. I have never been a doctor in my shows (either).' She added the caption: 'It was once my childhood dream to be a doctor. For a few precious minutes, (Joel) made my dream come true. So sweet of him.' She added the hashtags #heremembered, #dreamcomestrue and #mydearson. Fellow actors posted congratulatory messages in the comments section. Priscelia Chan said: 'So sweet! So happy for you and your family, sis!' Hong Huifang wrote: 'Such a touching scene. Bliss.' Huang Biren said: 'So happy for you and hubby'. Ng entered show business after finishing as first runner-up in local talent competition Star Search in 1993. Since then, she has played a range of characters, such as a radio announcer in the Channel 8 sitcom Right Frequency (1998) and a housekeeper in the English-language series Last Madame (2019). – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
