KOTA KINABALU, SABAH – It is with hopes that West Malaysia and ultimately the world, could be better familiarized to Sabah’s colorful Kadazan Dusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) culture with Kaamatan TV.
Launched yesterday, Deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said prime time slots on the weekends are booked to showcase the state’s proud heritage through a host of programs.
In collaboration with RTM and Astro he said the month long Harvest Festival celebrations in May is set for higher enthrallment involving the youth and internet culture.
“Preparations for Kaamatan this year are going well despite health barriers and standard operating procedures but it is not hindrance. We can still celebrate by going digital,” he said.
This could be a blessing in disguise to further elevate culture he says expecting at least 85,000 unique online viewers of the Sugandoi (singing competition) and Unduk Ngadau (beauty pageant) compared to 3000 physical attendees beforehand.
Reminiscing the packed KDCA (Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association) hall in Penampang during pre-Covid 19 he said in this time of global pandemic the holiday spirits should be more of an inward experience.
“The theme this year calls for a ‘Borderless Kaamatan’. Health precautions are set in countries all over the world but we can still celebrate within these barriers…
“May this Kaamatan bring peace to the world, to nature, to our families, to ourselves, to the almighty God and even our political adversaries,” he said adding that there can be no celebration without first attaining peace.
He hoped this variation would be of a mindful effect to all.
Speaking of politics, Jeffrey who is also president of STAR said although currently in a tussle with PBS over reclamation of the Tambunan seat (regarded as a stronghold for the former), it is all in good nature.
“Ritualistic animal sacrifices were carried out recently as per customs and PBS were part of it. That for me goes to show that their hearts are in the right place,” he told reporters.
