Latest news with #HongkodKoisaan
The Star
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Getting crowned on the second try
KOTA KINABALU: Eight years ago, she walked away empty-handed. This year, she walked away with the crown. Atitih Yatih Robert of Tamparuli was crowned the 65th Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan at the Hongkod Koisaan on May 31, a traditional beauty pageant held in conjunction with the Kaamatan harvest festival. The 26-year-old emerged the winner among 51 finalists from across Sabah and beyond, including participants from the Klang Valley, Putrajaya and Johor. A graduate of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Education (Bahasa Malaysia), Atitih is currently awaiting her teacher placement. She first entered the pageant in 2017 at age 18, representing Kota Marudu, where she placed in the top 15 and was named Miss Popular Unduk Ngadau Sabah – a victory that nevertheless sparked disappointment among fans. 'I know many were disappointed back then. They asked me to return and this time, I gave it my all,' Atitih said. After an eight-year hiatus to focus on her academic and career goals, she made a comeback with renewed purpose – this time representing Tamparuli, where she was crowned the district's Unduk Ngadau. Her maternal family traces its lineage back to Kampung Ruminding, Kiulu, in the Tuaran district, where her late grandmother Sungkim Elohoban once lived. Many of her relatives, including the current village chief, are still based there. Atitih's return to the stage wasn't easy. In the five months leading up to the pageant, she lost over 10kg by practising regular workouts and a strict diet. 'That was my biggest challenge,' she admitted. 'I used to weigh about 70kg. I loved sweets – especially chocolate – but I made the decision to commit,' she said, adding that she pushed through even though there were moments when she felt like fainting from hunger. 'It's not just about appearance. I wanted to show discipline and that I was serious.' She also worked on building her confidence and overcoming deep-seated shyness. Atitih has been active in traditional dance, singing, acting and poetry recitation throughout her university life. She also held leadership roles, including in the Sabah Student Association at UPM and Persatuan Siswazah Sabah di Semenanjung (G3S), where she promoted cultural pride among Sabahan youth. She wore a traditional dress from Tenghilan known as the Pinialap, making her the first contestant to ever showcase the design at the Unduk Ngadau stage – a nod to both her heritage and pride in her team. Atitih took home RM15,000 in cash, a tiara, a UNK2025 sash, a trophy, bouquet and other prizes including scholarships, skincare products, dental treatments, free hotel stays and airline tickets. Held annually as the highlight of the Kaamatan Festival, the Unduk Ngadau pageant is a cultural tradition cherished by the Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) community – symbolising beauty, sacrifice and the legacy of Huminodun. This year also marked a turning point for the pageant with the introduction of e-Unduk, a digital scoring system developed by Sabahan IT expert Aedeshie Daisy Rayner. The organising committee described the system as an innovation that enhances the traditional scoring framework using scientific algorithms – a move they say will ensure greater fairness and credibility in the judging process. As the curtains closed on the final night, cheers erupted for the top seven finalists who stood tall on stage – each carrying the pride of their districts and the spirit of Kaamatan. Joining Atitih were Elka Alika Pijeh (Tambunan) as first runner-up and Celarin Jenny (Kiulu) as second runner-up. Rini Swanda Jukilin (Beluran), Steavaynie Ginadus (Beaufort), Jenylin Janis (Ranau) and Evanatie Sannie (Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) were the other finalists.
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Pairin urges Sabahans to guard traditions against AI misuse
Tuan Yang DiPertua for Sabah Tun Musa Aman (third left), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (sixth left) and Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (left) dancing the sumazau at the closing of the month-long Kaamatan Festival 2025 on Friday (May 31). KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan calls for unity and warns against misusing artificial intelligence (AI) as the month-long Kaamatan Festival 2025 closes. Speaking at the grand finale held at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association's (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on Friday (May 31), Pairin said that the unchecked use of AI could lead to cultural erosion and even destruction. 'If misused, AI can become a force of destruction. It can distort values, misrepresent our traditions, and lead us away from our true identity as Sabahans and Malaysians,' said Pairin, who is also Huguan Siou (paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community). The KDCA president also acknowledged the presence of Tun Musa Aman, who came for the first time in his capacity as the Tuan Yang DiPertua of Sabah. 'We are one big family, and Kaamatan is a platform that brings us together, not just to honour the harvest, but to reaffirm our identity and aspirations,' he said. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Tuan Yang DiPertua for Sabah Tun Musa Aman (middle), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (left), Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (second left) and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (second right) singing the Kaamatan song during the official closing of the month-festival on Friday (May 31). Pairin said that Kaamatan is a bridge that connects the people of Sabah, to their ancestors and the world. 'This is where culture meets innovation, and where we must walk carefully 'Let your imagination fly, but let it be rooted in values. We want our traditions to evolve, not disappear,' he said. The celebration ended with a formal declaration by Tun Musa, who marked it with the beating of the gong seven times.
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
‘Kaamatan for All' highlights Sabahans' community spirit
Spoilt for choice: Many come to buy handmade beads and Kaamatan-themed accessories at the Hongkod Koisaan. KOTA KINABALU: All eyes will be on the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association's (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang as the month-long Kaamatan or Harvest Festival will culminate in the grand finale, celebrated today and tomorrow. Since May 1, Sabahans have been celebrating Kaamatan with singing, dancing, traditional games and enjoying delicious food. But it is at the Hongkod Koisaan, which loosely means unity hall, where the energy truly comes alive. The celebration here is always the most colourful and exciting, bringing together people of all races and backgrounds to honour the harvest festival and Sabah's rich traditions. The Hongkod Koisaan, the heart of Sabah's native heritage, is a central hub where traditions, history and the way of life of indigenous communities are preserved, promoted and proudly celebrated. The Kaamatan celebration will be extra special as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail are expected to attend the celebration today. This will mark the Prime Minister's third appearance at the Kaamatan finale. Sabah's Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman and his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin will grace the official closing ceremony tomorrow. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, traditional sports like blowpipe shooting and stilt walking, as well as visit stalls selling handicrafts, traditional food and attire. They can also add handmade beads and Kaamatan-themed accessories to their collection. One of the highlights of the celebration is the Unduk Ngadau, a special event that honours Huminodun, the legendary maiden who gave her life to save her people from famine. The new Harvest Queen will be crowned tomorrow. This year's theme, 'Kaamatan montok Toinsanan' (Kaamatan for All), is a reminder that true strength lies in the unity and support of the community as everyone strives forward together.
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Anwar set to attend Kaamatan festival for third time
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, are expected to attend the celebration on May 30. This marks Anwar's third time joining the Kaamatan finale. Since May 1, Sabahans have been celebrating the month-long Kaamatan Festival, which culminates on May 30 and 31, with a celebration at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association's (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan (unity hall) in Penampang. Sabah's Tuan Yang DiPertua Tun Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, were planned to grace the official closing ceremony on May 31. Visitors to the event could experience cultural performances, traditional sports such as blowgun shooting and stilt walking, alongside stalls offering handicrafts, local cuisine, and other regional products. One of the highlights of the celebration would be the Unduk Ngadau, an event that honours Huminodun, the legendary maiden who gave her life to save her people from famine. The new Harvest Queen would also be crowned on May 31. This year's Kaamatan Festival theme was 'Kaamatan montok Toinsanan (Kaamatan for All).
Daily Express
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
KDCA appointments querried
Published on: Saturday, May 03, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 03, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Michael also raised alarm over the KDCA leadership's proposal to commercially redevelop the Hongkod Koisaan grounds in Penampang. With a developer from China. Kota Kinabalu: KDCA Kampung Soboong / Boliga Chairman Datuk Michael S Malanjun said its new Central Committee line-up for the 2025-2028 was decided arbitrarily and lacked transparency. He cited the appointment of Datuk John Anthony as Deputy President despite losing in the recent election for the same post as an example of disregard for members' democratic choices. 'How can someone who was rejected by the delegates be appointed to the second-highest post? This undermines the credibility of the election process,' said Michael, a former KDCA Vice-President and long-serving Central Committee member. He also questioned the decision to name Datuk Joseph Paulus Lantip as both one of the three appointed Deputy Presidents and the Treasurer-General – a dual role not seen before in KDCA's history. 'Concentrating two key positions in one person creates a conflict of interest. There should be proper checks and balances, especially in managing the association's finances,' he said. Michael, along with several other veteran leaders, including Datuk Stephen Sondoh (Putatan), Datuk Sebastian Anjim (Kuala Penyu), and Datuk Steven Beliku (Inanam), were removed from the new line-up. Also excluded was James Kenson, the representative of Ko-Pusaka – the cooperative that donated the land where KDCA's Hongkod Koisaan cultural hall now stands. He described Kenson's removal as 'a profound insult to the association's own history.' 'Ko-Pusaka's contribution in 1988 laid the foundation for KDCA's cultural centre. Removing its representative dishonours that legacy,' he said, referring to the nine-acre site previously known as the Kg Koidupan Grazing Reserve. Michael also raised alarm over the KDCA leadership's proposal to commercially redevelop the Hongkod Koisaan grounds in Penampang. With a developer from China. The plan, he said, includes demolishing the association's traditional cultural houses to make way for a hotel, condominium blocks and a multi-storey car park. 'The KDCA site is more than just land – it is a symbol of identity and unity. Turning it into a tourist hub could displace cultural practices and marginalise life members and villagers,' he said. Michael questioned whether the leadership shake-up and redevelopment push were linked to efforts to silence critics who had raised concerns about KDCA's financial transparency. 'Why have the association's accounts since 2021 not been properly audited or presented to the KDCA conference, especially when the money came mostly from government grants – both State and Federal?' he asked. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
