Latest news with #Kitingan
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Kitingan misses Kaamatan launch because of medical reasons
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan was noticeably absent from the official launch of the state-level Kaamatan celebration at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall on Friday (May 30). Kitingan, who also serves as the organising chairman of the month-long harvest festival, was said to have sprained his ankle, preventing him from attending the key cultural event that was opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. An aide of Kitingan stated that he did not attend due to medical reasons. In his absence, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president, took the stage to deliver Kitingan's prepared speech to guests and dignitaries gathered for the launch. The Prime Minister, in his address, acknowledged Kitingan's absence and shared that he had personally reached out to the Sabah STAR president earlier in the day. 'I called Jeffrey Kitingan earlier this morning, and he is recovering well,' Anwar said. Kitingan's absence did not go unnoticed, especially amid heightened political speculation over the direction of Gabungan Sabah (GRS) ahead of the 17th Sabah state election. Political talk has been swirling that Kitingan might pull Sabah STAR out of GRS if Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor continues to push for the coalition to align with Pakatan Harapan. The Kaamatan Festival, celebrated annually throughout May, is one of Sabah's most important cultural events, particularly among the Kadazandusun and Murut communities. The presence of top leaders at its launch is typically seen as a show of unity, making Kitingan's absence all the more conspicuous.
The Star
4 days ago
- 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
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Kaamatan celebrates heritage, promotes cultural preservation, unity, says Kitingan
KOTA KINABALU: Kaamatan is a platform to not only celebrate heritage but also to promote cultural preservation, unity and women empowerment, says Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I, who is also this year's State Kaamatan Festival organising chairman, said events surrounding this festival, including the Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Queen), help to introduce Sabah's rich cultural heritage and boost local economy. 'The Unduk Ngadau pageant is not only a competition of beauties but acts as a form of cultural, nature and economic promotion for local communities,' he said. Kitingan said this after officiating at the Sodop Unduk Ngadau (gala night) at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) in Penampang, Thursday (May 29). He said the Unduk Ngadau participants are now considered as influencers in their own right, promoting local products, showcasing cultural identities and bringing social and economical impacts to the community. "This year's Kaamatan for All theme shows the state's commitment in celebrating the festival in an inclusive, harmonious and diverse manner," he said. 'As the Kaamatan festival enters its 65th year, it becomes a symbol of unity and cultural treasure which has to be preserved and protected regardless of race, religion or creed,' said Kitingan. He took the opportunity to thank everyone who have and continue to work hard to make this event a success, as well as to all for being part of this tradition-preservation initiative. Also present were the wife of Sabah's Head of State, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, the Chief Minister's wife Datin Juliah Salag, Huguan Siou (paramount leader of the Kadazandusun Murut natives) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, KDCA Women Council chairman Datuk Joanna Kitingan and the Unduk Ngadau 2025 co-chairman Mary Gambidau.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Kaamatan spirit
From the heart: Elldiwirna (fourth from left) alongside the 'Tinorindak Olisi' cast at the webfilm's launch in Kota Kinabalu. KOTA KINABALU: Sometimes coming in second best is not bad at all, and this is precisely what the latest PETRONAS' Kaamatan webfilm is communicating. Titled Tinorindak Olisi (Crown of Love in Kadazandusun), this touching short film explores the true meaning of triumph which is found not through titles, but love, cultural pride and inner resilience. Centred around the iconic Unduk Ngadau pageant, Tinorindak Olisi, which features exclusively Sabahan talents, features a heartfelt narrative that delves into the deeper significance of Kaamatan. Told primarily in the Dusun language and enriched with Sabahan dialects, the six-minute, 30-second film celebrates Sabah's rich cultural tapestry and the unity among its many ethnic communities. Directed by Ismail Kamarul, the film stars Elldiwirna Saimen, the first runner-up of Unduk Ngadau 2024, as Elyna Jamis, and Daphne Iking, the 2003 Unduk Ngadau, as her mother. The story follows Elyna, a young woman vying for the Unduk Ngadau crown. Fuelled by dreams and encouraged by her community, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately reshapes her understanding of success and identity. 'In line with this year's theme, Kaamatan for All, this film reminds us that true strength lies in the unity and support of the community as we strive forward together,' said Siti Azlina A Latif, PETRONAS senior general manager of strategic communications. The film was launched under Yayasan PETRONAS' Uplifting Lives Festive programme, during an event attended by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who doubles as deputy president of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association. 'It is more than just a campaign. It is a call to empower and uplift communities, and a reminder of the values that bind us,' said Kitingan, who is also state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister. Moved by the film, he described it as 'powerful', adding that it resonated strongly with the audience. 'It served as a reminder that behind every achievement is a network of support and belief. The entire story was powerful. It was not just one part, but the whole journey,' he said. He noted that the film also served as a reflection of PETRONAS' ongoing commitment to cultural inclusivity and social responsibility. 'I am very thankful to PETRONAS. Every year, they produce heartfelt stories that don't just entertain but also teach, inspire, and bring us together,' said Kitingan. During the event, Kitingan, together with Siti Azlina, distributed essential food items and festive packs to selected recipients in Manggatal. The Uplifting Lives Festive initiative, which began earlier this month in Tambunan, reached 500 beneficiaries across Manggatal, Tambunan, Tongod and Kepayan, which were all identified by the Sabah Social Welfare Department. 'From spotlighting Sabah's cultural heritage to bringing festive cheer to families in need, we continue to build a more connected and compassionate society for all,' said Siti Azlina. Tinorindak Olisi is now available on PETRONAS' official YouTube and Facebook channels.
The Star
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
PETRONAS' Kaamatan web film a powerful message of resilience, says Jeffrey Kitingan
KOTA KINABALU: Sometimes, coming in second best is not bad at all, and PETRONAS' new Kaamatan web film reinforces that message. Titled "Tinorindak Olisim" (Kadazandusun for Crown of Love), it suggests that the true meaning of triumph is not through victory or titles, but love, cultural pride and resilience. Revolving around the iconic Unduk Ngadau pageant, the web film, which features Sabahan talents, offers a heartfelt narrative that delves into the significance of Kaamatan. Told primarily in the Dusun language and enriched with Sabahan dialects, the film celebrates Sabah's rich cultural tapestry and the unity among its many ethnic communities. Directed by Ismail Kamarul, the web film stars Elldiwirna Saimen, the first runner-up of Unduk Ngadau 2024, as Elyna Jamis, and features Daphne Iking, Unduk Ngadau 2003 and a well-known Malaysian personality, as her mother. The story follows Elyna, a young woman vying for the Unduk Ngadau crown. Fuelled by dreams and encouraged by her community, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately reshapes her understanding of success and identity. 'In line with this year's theme, Kaamatan for All, this film reminds us that true strength lies in the unity and support of the community as we strive forward together,' said Siti Azlina A Latif, PETRONAS senior general manager (Strategic Communications, Group Strategic Relations and Communications). The film was launched on Tuesday (May 27) under Yayasan PETRONAS' Uplifting Lives Festive programme, at an event attended by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) deputy president. 'It is more than just a campaign. It is a call to empower and uplift communities, and a reminder of the values that bind us, especially in areas like agriculture and social development,' said Kitingan, who is also the state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister. Moved by the web film, Kitingan described it as 'powerful', adding that it resonated strongly with the audience, particularly those who identified with the challenges and hopes portrayed. 'It serves as a reminder that behind every achievement is a network of support and belief. The entire story is powerful... not just one part, but the whole journey,' he said. He noted that Tinorindak Olisim also reflected PETRONAS' ongoing commitment to cultural inclusivity and social responsibility. 'I am very thankful to PETRONAS. Every year, they produce heartfelt stories that don't just entertain but also teach, inspire, and bring us together,' he said. During the event, Kitingan and Siti Azlina distributed essential food items and festive packs to selected recipients in Manggatal. The Uplifting Lives Festive initiative, which began earlier this month in Tambunan, reached 500 beneficiaries across Manggatal, Tambunan, Tongod, and Kepayan, identified by the Social Welfare Department. 'Through this web film and our outreach efforts, PETRONAS not only honours Kaamatan traditions but also reaffirms its commitment to strengthening community bonds. 'From spotlighting Sabah's cultural heritage to bringing festive cheer to families in need, we continue to build a more connected and compassionate society for all,' said Siti Azlina. Tinorindak Olisi is now available on PETRONAS' official YouTube and Facebook channels.
