Unduk Ngadau pageant postponed
KOTA KINABALU: The State Level Kaamatan main organising committee chairman has announced the postponement of the Unduk Ngadau and Sugandoi 2020 competition.
Datuk Peter Anthony made the announcement through the WhatsApp last night.
“The chairman of the State Level main Kaamatan organizing committee chairman, Datuk Peter Anthony has announced the postponement of the Unduk Ngadau and Sugandoi 2020 competition to a date which will be announced later,” the WhatsApp message said.
Some members from the main organizing committee had mentioned to The Borneo Post earlier yesterday that it would be postponed to mid-June.
One of the reasons cited is that there is no agreement yet on the event to be held at the Hongkod Koisaan, also known as the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) building.
Peter, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister, had on May 24 announced during a press conference that the Unduk Ngadau grand finals had been scheduled to take place on May 30 and 31 at the KDCA building in Penampang.
Peter explained a modification in the selection process, saying it will be done through the Facebook social site from May 25 to May 29.
In the press conference held several days ago, Peter announced that RM150,000 in prize money has been allocated for the prestigious cultural event for Sabah.
He announced however that instead of representing a given district, the competition is open for all including those staying in Peninsular Malaysia as long as they are able to return for the grand finals on May 30 and 31.
However, there had been incessant calls for the event to be cancelled due to Covid-19.
Those calling for the cancellation include Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili, KDCA member Datuk Johnny Mositun and Tamparuli assemblyman cum PBS secretary general Datuk Jahid Jahim.
Maximus said in his message which was shared with The Borneo Post by Jahid that he supported the Huguan Siou, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan in his stance that postponing the Kaamatan festival of any kind during the MCO and CMCO declaration for the sake of health of the community, people and nation does not devalue in any way the cultural heritage of the community.
“Let’s remind ourselves that Covid-19 is deadly and brutal. Official royal events, religious festivals and planned international government meetings/events like AEC and Olympics are postponed. Why do we have to insist on taking risks regarding the health of our community and public?” said Maximus.
Maximus reminded that KDCA and Hongkod are respected institutions of the Kadazan Dusun community.
“Let’s preserve and uphold that!” he said.
Jahid, when contacted, said he concurred with the opinions of Maximus.
“I am fully supporting of Dr Maximus in his statement,” said Jahid.
Some netizens have also expressed their dismay, calling the organizing of the event as practising double standards.
“Open houses are disallowed, visiting friends and others are frowned upon due to the Covid-19. But this is allowed,” lamented one netizen.