'Don't stop others holding Kaamatan'
Published on: Tuesday, May 05, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: Vocal non-governmental organisation KDM Malaysia said no one should stop anyone from organising the Tadau Kaamatan, the highlight celebration of the Kadazan, Dusun and Murut people on a bountiful harvest of the paddy.Its President, Datuk Peter Anthony, was responding to some quarters who stressed that the organising of the Kaamatan should be left only to recognised organisers.He questioned why other organisations should not be "allowed" to host the festival when there is no blanket order to restrain or to ban anyone from organising the festivity.
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"This is an event celebrated by everyone especially the natives in the interior," he said when officiating at the KDM Malaysia Kaamatan at Menggatal town field.Since the festival has been celebrated for centuries and incorporated as part of the KDM's community culture, there is no stopping anyone from organising it, be it at district and state levels, he said.KDM Malaysia has been criticised for organising its own Kaamatan, seen as interrupting the annual Sabah level Tadau Kaamatan that is hosted by the KDCA.On this, Anthony said KDM Malaysia would be organising the Kaamatan in all districts by combining several districts into one.
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The KDM Kaamatan in Menggatal is a combined of districts under Bandaraya namely Inanam, Telipok, Menggatal and Sepanggar.There were traditional sports such as milokud (arm wrestling), buang batu (shot put), monopuk (blowpipe) and tug-of-war.
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In addition, there was the usual Sugandoi (singing competition) and Unduk Ngadau (beauty contest).There was also a lucky draw, exhibition and traditional cooking competition.Anthony said KDM Malaysia would be conducting the Kaamatan in seven "centres" before its state level celebration in Kimanis."The next location is on May 9 at Pekan Nabalu which involves Nabalu, Tuaran, Tamparuli, Kiulu, Ranau, Entilibon, Telupid and Kota Belud," he said.Following that is on May 16 at Matunggong (Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas and Matunggong), Apin-Apin (Keningau, Tambunan, Bingkor, Tenom, Kemabong, Melalap and Apin-Apin) on May 23, Sook (Nabawan, Pensiangan and Sook) on May 30, Sugut (Penampang, Kinarut, Putatan, Kepayan, Kawang, Sugut) on June 6 and the state-level in Kimanis on June 13.Papar, Membakut, Bongawan, Beaufort, Sipitang and Kuala Penyu will join in the final celebration in Kimanis.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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