Jeffrey Kitingan says he is willing to debate Bung on any issue
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan says he is ready to accept Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's challenge for a debate on any issue, including the 'Sabah for Sabahans' issue.
Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah Barisan chairman, issued the challenge when launching Sabah Umno's Gerak17 campaign for the Sepanggar parliamentary constituency.
Kitingan, who is Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) deputy chairman, also said the coalition is open to working with any party, but it will ultimately be the people who determine its political alliances.
However, he said that the coalition of eight local parties has yet to decide on the matter.
"We are willing to work with anyone for the sake of political stability but we have to listen to the people," he said when asked about the possibility of GRS teaming up with the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional alliance.
"The elections are still some time away. For now, let's focus on what is currently on the table," he said.
He added that GRS has begun preliminary meetings to discuss seat allocations.
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According to folklore, Huminodun's flesh and blood became rice, her head became coconuts, her fingers bananas, her teeth and hair became maize, her toes ginger, her skeleton sugar canes, her heart and intestines fruits of all types, her ears turned all types of vegetables and her soul became the rice spirit Bambarayon, which resides in rice stalks. That year, the harvest was the most plentiful so far and marked the beginning of Kaamatan to pay thanks to the rice gods and the Bambarayon spirit for the bountiful harvest but pay homage to the native beliefs, customary rules and traditions, and observances of the multi-ethnic Kadazandusuns. A significant aspect of the myth includes Huminodun's instruction that, before starting the harvest, Kinoingan should take seven stalks of paddy, tie them to one end of a spliced bamboo stick, plant them at the centre of the field, and then store them in the rice container after the harvest. These seven stalks of paddy symbolise the spirit of rice. To the Kadazandusuns, who are dependent on rice, to honour Huminodun's sacrifice was to honour the Bambarayon. Every year, during the Kaamatan festival, the 'Magavau ceremony' — a spiritual cleansing and renewal ceremony to call back the wandering rice spirit spread across the grains of rice — is performed by the elders and high priestesses (bobolian). This folklore has been passed down through generations and although such beliefs may have gotten lost or misinterpreted over time, one tribute that has remained and thrives is the Unduk Ngadau or harvest festival queen, to find a maiden from Sabah's many districts who possess similar beauty and character to that of Huminodun. The contestants usually have to be of Sabahan native descent and have fluent language skills and knowledge of the culture. The crowning of the Unduk Ngadau is among the highlights of the Kaamatan festival. A celebration for all Although celebrated at every district level, for many Sabahans the Kadazandusun Cultural Association building also known as Hongkod, is the Kaamatan icon. For two weeks every year, they play host to the state-wide Kaamatan celebration, drawing people from all walks of life — regardless of ethnicity or religion. The event culminates during the last two days of the month, turning into the centre of cultural celebrations. Aside from the crowning of the Unduk Ngadau, there is a singing competition (Sugandoi), traditional games such as arm wrestling (mipulos), tug-of-war (migazat dukug), buffalo trapping (monungkava kalabau), stilt walking (ram-panau), giant slipper (sipatu tompulanggoi), blowpipe shooting (monopuk), slingshot shooting (momolisitik), paddy carrying (mamagandal), rice pounding (tumutu), fire starting (mobpiri/mangapui) and spearing (manandus). Visitors can explore some 14 traditional houses from the various ethnic groups in the cultural village with their 'open house' concept, each showcasing their own costume, dance or music, as well as sample various foods and local brews. The Murut house — which features the lansaran, a trampoline made from bamboo — is always a crowd favourite. Within the cultural village, organiser Datuk Joseph Lantip said only local Sabahan products would be available for sale or showcased, like local brews, food, handicraft and others. Also, on the grounds of the KDCA is a lively festival with huge tent setups for mini concerts and entertainment. Many take to the tents to gather with friends and start merry-making early in the day to late night. For some, this is one of the highlights of the festival, an event and place to meet old friends and make new ones and bask in the Kaamatan vibe. A platform for unity among Sabahans Kaamatan is also seen as a time for reconciliation and unity. For a state as diverse as Sabah, it is a time when all races and ethnicities, ages and backgrounds can come together without care for their differences. It is common for Malay food stalls to be set up in between the beer tents and Muslims wearing the iconic Kadazan black velvet and gold trimmed costumes to cheer for their district's Unduk Ngadau representative. Entrepreneurs selling traditional food and clothing say Kaamatan is one of the best times for business, with high demand from diverse customers. Even cafes and restaurants have come up with Kaamatan promotions, offering local fares and new concoctions featuring Sabah's indigenous cuisine and ingredients. 'Kaamatan is not merely a nostalgic commemoration but a living tradition that adapts to contemporary realities. Young people, including those raised in urban areas, are increasingly participating in Kaamatan by learning traditional dances, speaking their mother tongues and taking part in cultural events,' said Richard Gontusan, a judge for the Unduk Ngadau Kepayan division. However, this year's celebration is slightly unique, as it comes at a time when the state gears up for its 17th state election, the event plays a role in bringing together not just its thirty or so indigenous groups but also its aspirations to the leaders. Beyond celebrating culture and identity, Kaamatan also provides a platform for local leaders to engage with communities — though they must navigate this carefully to avoid politicisation.
