Papar’s Carol wins title State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan 2023
Published on: Thursday, June 01, 2023
By: Anthea Peter
UNK 2023 Carol Abbey Gail (middle), Calby (left) and Clerice (right).
PENAMPANG: Papar’s Carol Abbey Gail was crowned State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) 2023 at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA Hall, Penampang, Wednesday.
The 24-year-old Financial Economics graduate from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) brought home RM12,000 cash, a crown, a trophy, scholarships and sponsored items.
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She took over the role of “Huminodun” from her predecessor Frenerietta Sobitun who was last year’s UNK representing Sandakan.
Present to hand over the crown was Head of State’s consort Toh Puan Norlidah R.M Jasni and the Chief Minister’s wife Datuk Juliah Salag.
Carol, who hails from Kg Balailait, Papar, hopes to use her new platform as UNK to empower Kadazan Dusun Murut traditions, especially in traditional music and handicrafts.
“I hope to do my best in carrying out my responsibility as Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan and I will give my full commitment. This victory means a lot to me. I am very happy as I did not anticipate this win.
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It is with the support of my own Papar people and the KDCA committee that I am able to bring up Papar’s name this year,” she told reporters after the crowning ceremony.
Carol, who has participated in the DBKK Unduk Ngadau pageant in 2019, said preparing for the competition required a lot of mental strength.
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During the first round of UNK finals, all 50 contestants were judged on their beauty, costume and attitude before advancing to the top 15.
In the next round, the 15 finalists were required to answer two questions before advancing to the top seven.
One question must be answered in their native tongue, while contestants had the freedom to answer the other question in their mother tongues, Malay or English.
Carol, who donned the traditional “Sia Do Binokian Papar” attire, answered confidently in her mother tongue, Kadazan Papar, for both questions.
Calby Floresa Dolinting, who represented Kota Marudu, came second while Clerice Olivia Augustine @ Justin (Tambunan) clinched the third spot.
Calby and Clerice received RM11,100 and RM9,000 cash prizes, respectively, as well as a crown, trophy, scholarships and sponsored items.
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