‘Protect mother tongue via story-telling’ call: Jeffrey
Published on: Friday, May 26, 2023
By: Johan Aziz
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Jeffrey and the committee members in a group photo with the winners and participants of the competition.
Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, called the people of Sabah, especially the KadazanDusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) community, to maintain and preserve their mother tongue through storytelling.
“We have heard of meaningful stories from our ancestors … now that our elders are gone, we need to continue this legacy,” he said.
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The State government’s support is not only towards the KDMR community but also all ethnic groups in Sabah who have similar rights to maintain, teach and preserve their languages.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the State-level Kaamatan Festival final Manangon and Monusuyan competition held at Hongkod Koisaan Penampang, here, he said the more languages people know, the more knowledge they gain.
Jeffrey said Sanah’s uniqueness is not only in its cultural diversity but also its language that attracts tourists.
On the competition, he said the involvement of school students enabled them to learn “manangon” or storytelling and the meaning of “tangon-tangon”.
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Jeffrey said “melentur buluh biarlah dari rebungnya”, which means it is better to teach the ethnic language from young so the mother tongue can continue to flourish.
Jeffrey, who is also Chairman of the State-level Kaamatan Celebration Main Committee, said it was imperative to pass on the language and knowledge to today's and future generations.
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He also encouraged the participation of all walks of life in the State events and activities during the Kaamatan Festival.
Anora Soletin emerged champion in the Level 1 category and brought home RM1,000 cash prize, trophy, certificate and a bouquet of flowers while second and third placings were won by Noel Nathan Marcelius and Videlvie Handry, who brought home the RM800 and RM500 cash prizes, trophy, certificates and bouquet of flowers
Meanwhile, Audreyclaire Whtiney Handro emerged champion in the Level 2 category and received RM1,000 cash prizes, trophy, certificates and a bouquet of flowers.
Second and third placings went to Juleegna Daved and Edward Kubot, who received RM800 and RM500 cash prizes, trophy, certificates and bouquet of flowers, respectively.
The prizes were presented by Jeffrey.
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