Latest news with #KadazandusunMurut
The Star
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Embrace unity in diversity through occasions like Kaamatan, says Anwar
KOTA KINABALU: Traditional dances with modern elements and songs portraying the spirit of Sabahans' diversity, as well as performances aimed at unifying the people, opened this year's state-level Kaamatan Festival in Penampang on Friday (May 30). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who officiated the event, struck a gong seven times to mark the start of the celebration, one of the most important events in the calendar of the Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus communities. Held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall in the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) building, he said the event, themed "Kaamatan for All", is for the preservation of heritage, culture and tradition. ALSO READ: Fadillah extends Kaamatan Festival greetings He added that, as with all cultural programmes and celebrations, inclusivity was an important element, especially in a multicultural nation like Malaysia. However, not everyone understands the importance or appreciates the meaning of unity in diversity, Anwar said. He said some people continued to find fault with the differences, instead of focusing on the similarities. He said when the Federation of Malaysia was formed, Tunku Abdul Rahman spoke about unifying agents and celebrating differences. ALSO READ: 'Kaamatan for All' highlights Sabahans' community spirit 'Look at countries that focus on differences, all are destroyed. Therefore, leaders with wisdom will always focus on and talk about unity. Do not sacrifice your state because of differences,' he said. Earlier, organising chairman and Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the theme of this year's ce; celebration is simple yet clear and easy to understand. It emphasises unity in diversity in a multicultural country, he said in his speech, read out by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam. 'Although Kaamatan is a festival of the natives in Sabah, it is also celebrated by all regardless of race, religion and creed,' he said. This is to strengthen unity among the people, and is a manifestation of harmony in line with the Federal Government's ambition of better uniting the people, said Kitingan, who is also State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry minister. ALSO READ: Kaamatan celebrates heritage, promotes cultural preservation, unity, says Kitingan He said his ministry is committed to increasing yields and helping farmers and those in the sector to develop and help improve the economic status of rural folk. On the month-long festival that began on May 1, Kitingan said various programmes involving youth have been lined up for the purpose of cultural preservation. 'With the involvement of youths, we hope to promote cultural awareness and to also foster unity among the people,' he said, pointing out that traditional food, music, cultural attire and activities can also promote tourism in the state. Guests were entertained with special dance performances from the district of Tambunan, a choir, the winners of the International Student Cultural Exchange Programme, traditional dances from Penampang, Bisaya, Tombonuo and Rungus, native poetry or Hiis, and appearances by the Unduk Ngadau finalists. Kaamatan culminates on Friday and Saturday (May 31), with the state Unduk Ngadau winner to be announced tomorrow. She will be the face of the native Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus communities, the ambassador for various cultural programmes, and tasked with various duties, including promoting Sabah.
The Star
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Fahmi Reza has been denied entry to Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: Controversial graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza has been denied entry to Sabah upon arriving at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport here on Thursday (May 29). The 47-year-old shared the incident on Instagram at around 1pm. He stated that he was issued a notice of refusal of entry upon arrival and was subsequently deported to Kuala Lumpur on the next available flight. The letter dated May 29 reads: 'This serves to notify you that pursuant to Section 65 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, the State Authority has directed that no pass be issued to you to enter State of Sabah and such pass required under Section 66 of the same Act.' It was unclear why Fahmi was in Sabah. Late last year, he had gotten into trouble with the authorities for insulting the then incoming 11th Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, through a caricature allegedly depicting Musa that was deemed highly offensive by the Keningau Native Court and had incited anger among the Kadazandusun Murut community.
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Baloi Keningau set to shine at Kaamatan Festival with cultural showcases
Rafie Robert KOTA KINABALU (May 28): 'Baloi Keningau,' a traditional house representing the identity and heritage of the Keningau community, is ready to welcome visitors during the Kaamatan Festival 2025, which will take place at Hongkod Koisaan, Penampang, on May 30 and 31. Located within the Koisaan Cultural Village (KCV), Baloi Keningau is set to be one of the main attractions of this year's celebration, which carries the theme 'Kaamatan for All.' This theme reflects the spirit of inclusivity and harmony, while emphasizing appreciation for cultural diversity among the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) communities and Malaysians as a whole. Chairman of the KDCA Keningau Coordinating Committee, Rafie Robert, invited the public to visit Baloi Keningau and experience the unique culture being showcased. 'We warmly welcome everyone to visit Baloi Keningau at the Koisaan Cultural Village. It's more than just a traditional house – it is a symbol of our community's heritage and identity. Kaamatan is a celebration for all, and we are truly honoured to share this culture with all Malaysians,' he said. According to him, various cultural activities are scheduled to take place at KCV on May 30, including traditional cooking demonstrations, handicraft exhibitions, and traditional dance and music performances. He added that Baloi Keningau will feature specific cultural showcases, including the Murut Naabai ethnic dance, Dusun Lobu ethnic dance, and performances of traditional musical instruments such as the Tongunggu (bamboo music) and Sompoton. He noted that the highlight of the celebration will be held on May 31 with the National Level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Pageant, which will see 51 participants from across Sabah and other states in Malaysia. Rafie said the pageant not only showcases the grace and personality of Kadazandusun women but also highlights their cultural knowledge and the spirit of community unity. 'Kaamatan is a symbol of gratitude for the harvest and a reflection of unity among our diverse communities. KDCA Keningau invites all Malaysians to join in the celebration and take pride in our shared cultural heritage,' he said.
