PENAMPANG: Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) should remain rooted in tradition and elegance, and not be swayed by the flashy presentation styles of international beauty pageants, said Datuk Joanna Kitingan.
Responding to public reaction, the State UNK 2025 co-chair said she was shocked by the finalists’ loud self-introductions at the May 28 Gala Night, calling it a break from the pageant’s 65-year tradition.
“In our pageant, an Unduk is not just beautiful but graceful, gentle yet empowered – there is no need to shout or perform,” she said, adding that the traditional introduction style was about conveying poise, cultural pride and inner strength.
She clarified the unexpected change had not been communicated during rehearsals, and both she and fellow co-chair Mary Gambidau were visibly stunned when it unfolded live.
“I turned to Mary and said, this is not Unduk,” she shared, expressing concern that the cultural pageant was being diluted by attempts to modernise it to fit global trends.
Joanna warned that embracing such performative styles lowers the standard of a cultural event that was founded on deep belief systems and Indigenous identity.
“Look at the bobolians – their strength lies in spiritual power, not volume; that is what we want our Unduks to reflect,” she said, referring to Sabah’s traditional ritual leaders.
She stressed that while other pageants focus on glamour and spectacle, Unduk Ngadau celebrates modesty, heritage, and the role of women as cultural torchbearers.
While some netizens supported the new approach, especially those more familiar with global pageantry, the majority of traditionalists felt the event had veered off course.
It was also understood that some finalists confided they felt uncomfortable and embarrassed about the style of introduction but were compelled to comply with the format imposed on them.
Joanna reiterated her commitment to restoring the pageant’s original spirit next year, ensuring it reflects the unique grace and dignity that has defined Unduk Ngadau since its inception.
“We have already set the trend 65 years ago,” she said, vowing to uphold the cultural values that make the pageant unlike any other.
