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Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Borneo.TV faces more backlash from Sabah artists
Atama KOTA KINABALU (July 4): The launch of on July 1 by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at Menara Kinabalu, has deeply disappointed Borneo's indigenous communities and cultural workers, including the Sabah Film and Visual Association (SAFVA). 'For years, the state has neglected the cultural rights of indigenous artists, singers, and songwriters, leaving their creative economies and heritage unsupported. This secretive agreement between the SMJ Secretariat and Kuala Lumpur-based IB Media Consultant Sdn Bhd is seen as another betrayal of Sabah and Borneo's cultural intellectual property and creative integrity. They didn't care then, and they don't care now,' said Atama Katama, Sabah's renowned Sumazau Hip-Hop artist and the world's first KadazanDusun-English rapper. The issue surfaced when the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Secretariat and IB Media Consultant Sdn Bhd signed a deal and hurriedly launched Sabah's television channel, This move violates UNESCO's 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which mandates safeguarding cultural diversity, and it disregards the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) under Article 32 of the UNDRIP (2007). 'I fully endorse Sabah Film and Visual Association's (SAFVA) opposition to the lack of consultation, and we, as Borneans, especially cultural workers, must resist this erosion of our identity to end all forms of cultural exploitation. 'I know SAFVA is correct to oppose this,' said Atama, the 2011 Choons Malaysia Best MC. Atama, now a senior Indigenous Peoples Rights Representative at the United Nations, claims that the use of 'Borneo' in a platform owned by Dato' Hajji Izlan Basar, CEO of Al Hijrah, raises serious concerns about cultural appropriation. Another Sabah-born national artist, Yee I-Lan, warned on her Facebook on Thursday: ' owned by a non-Bornean Malayan religious content figure with limited media experience, smacks of neo-colonialism. Adat and budaya under MA63 are state matters.' The absence of indigenous consultation further breaches UNESCO's inclusive representation principles. Similarly, the Borneo Native Festival (BNF), held annually 2,000 miles from Borneo, misrepresents the island's culture. Sarawak's Peter John Jaban, founder of GOASS cultural creative, said, 'Millions of ringgit in MOTAC (Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture) funds support the Borneo Native Festival in Kuala Lumpur, implying East Malaysians lack the capacity to organize it locally.' He cited SUKASENI, a KL-based organizer that gained 'popularity' after showcasing Borneo's authentic traditional garments. The Edge of the World actor continued, 'We came to boost BNF with our Borneo spirit, with GOASS boarding AirAsia flights in our 'sirat' traditional garments. These self-funded travels to Kuala Lumpur received minimal support, just a bus ride from airport to hotel. This reflects tokenism that undermines local expertise and romanticizes Borneo's nativity in KL.' In subsequent years, BNF held a pop-up event in Sabah but failed to acknowledge GOASS, Jaban noted. 'They didn't even contact us when they came to our own land. Instead, they had foreigners dressed as us to represent us. With experiences like this, how can we trust those who fail to appreciate us?' The CEO's dual role as owner of and Al Hijrah raises concerns about the marginalization of non-Muslim narratives across Borneo. The SMJ Secretariat's public claim that operates without state funding heightens suspicions of double standards and lack of oversight, as it pre-relinquishes responsibility for protecting Sabah's cultural assets and forms, which will be controlled and peddled by and its clientele. 'This thoughtlessness reflects incompetent state advisors and rent-seeking executives, making the Sabah Chief Minister, a former radio announcer, look utterly compromised. 'Our cultural heritage, arts, traditions and indigenous identities is sacred and must not be exploited, particularly for religious purposes. This breach of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which ensures cultural autonomy, demands urgent action,' Atama stated. Atama calls for: 1. Immediate intervention by the Sabah State Ministry to uphold cultural rights; 2. Full FPIC and consultation with indigenous creative artisans, alongside meaningful dialogue with local creatives; 3. The SMJ Secretariat to publish its policy on cultural appropriation and restrict the company from misusing the term 'Borneo.'
India Gazette
15-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Paris: EAM Jaishankar discusses global rebalancing with strategic community
Paris [France], June 15 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday (local time) discussed global rebalancing with strategic community as the the world undergoes rapid strategic realignment. In a post on X, he said, 'A pleasure interacting with the strategic community in Paris today. Discussed global rebalancing underway, the growing importance of data, technology & energy, and the promise of a strong India - Europe partnership.' Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also visited National Library of France and saw the classical India manuscripts and texts in their collection. In a post on X, he said, 'Pleased to visit National Library of France, Paris. Saw classical India manuscripts and texts in their collection. Was a reminder of the depth of Indology in France. Also discussed with President, BNF Gilles Pecout opportunities for greater collaboration on heritage conservation.' Earlier on Friday, Jaishankar held talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Nol Barrot at Raisina Mediterranean 2025. Jaishankar highlighted India's deepening strategic engagement with Europe, particularly France. In a post on X, he said, 'A good conversation along with FM Jean-Nol Barrot of France at Raisina Mediterranean 2025. Highlighted India's deepening strategic engagement with Europe particularly France, guided by deeper convergences and shared interests. And its positive outcomes for global connectivity, technology regimes and the Global South.' Jaishankar visited France from June 11-14. The visit, coming within four months of visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France, reaffirmed the robust and long-standing strategic partnership between India and France. During the visit, EAM called on President of France, Emmanuel Macron. He conveyed warm greetings of Prime Minister Modi to the French President and appreciated France's strong support to India in the fight against terrorism. The two sides committed to fully implement the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and Defense Industrial Roadmap that were agreed between the two leaders. The discussions reflected the deep trust, comfort, and shared ambition that characterize the India-France bilateral ties. (ANI)
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Business Standard
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Jaishankar discusses global rebalancing with Paris strategic community
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday discussed global rebalancing that is currently underway and the promise of a strong India-Europe partnership with the strategic community here. Jaishankar also visited France's National Library at Paris and saw classical Indian manuscripts and texts in their collection and discussed with its president the opportunities for greater collaboration on heritage conservation. A pleasure interacting with the strategic community in Paris today. Discussed global rebalancing underway, the growing importance of data, technology & energy, and the promise of a strong India-Europe partnership, the external affairs minister posted on X. Pleased to visit @laBnF, Paris. Saw classical India manuscripts and texts in their collection. Was a reminder of the depth of Indology in France. Also discussed with President, BNF @GillesPecout opportunities for greater collaboration on heritage conservation, Jaishankar said in another post. On Friday, Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions with French counterpart Jean-Nol Barrot on a range of issues and the two sides agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation in areas like defence, security, space and civilian-nuclear collaboration. He was on a tour of France from June 11 to 14. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Metro
06-06-2025
- Health
- Metro
Teacher fixated on baldness killed himself after using unlicensed hair loss drug
A teacher obsessed with not going bald killed himself after switching to an unlicensed drug to treat his hair loss, an inquest heard. Sam Applegarth, 31, who had no history of mental health problems, ended his life in Dubai after starting an online prescription course of dutasteride, which is not licensed for hair loss in the UK. The PE teacher, who had first sought help for his hair loss aged 22, had used British National Formulary (BNF) drugs minoxidil and finasteride for years without any side effects. The inquest heard that there are no known 'suicidal ideation' side effects from taking dutasteride – a drug primarily used to treat an enlarged prostate – because there has been a failure to report such feelings in men taking the drug. Today, Sam's heartbroken girlfriend Anya Guy, 30, urged anybody having suicidal thoughts due to taking dutasteride to inform medical experts and hopefully prevent any further deaths. Sam was brought up in Outwood, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and after working for the Rugby Football League took up teaching science and PE at Minsthorpe High School. Wakefield Coroner's Court heard that he had been concerned about losing his hair since 2015, and visited Dr Bessam Farjo at his trichology clinic in Manchester. Dr Farjo told the hearing that Sam visited for consultations and advice but was never prescribed any drugs. He said he was aware that Sam had started taking minoxidil, which is easily available over the counter at Boots, and later complemented with doses of finasteride. Dr Farjo told coroner Oliver Longstaff that Sam had 'self-sourced' those drugs and both he and Sam had been happy with their effects. In 2017, Sam underwent a successful hair transplant at the Farjo Hair Institute, in Manchester. In regular follow-up consultations Sam informed the doctor that, elsewhere, he had undergone platelet-rich plasma treatment, where a concentrated portion of his own blood was injected in a bid to rejuvenate his hair. He had also had his head tattooed to give the appearance of hair, in a process called scalp micro pigmentation. 'He was happy with the overall appearance after the tattoo,' Dr Farjo told the inquest. Sam last saw Dr Farjo in July 2024, two months before he flew to Dubai. He reported still taking minoxidil and finasteride tablets, which he had sourced himself. He was also using camouflage products to conceal his hair loss and the doctor suggested cognitive therapy to alleviate Sam's anxiety about going bald. 'He was a young man with an exaggerated view about how big an issue his hair loss was,' said the doctor. 'I had no concerns he was having any side effects from the drugs.' He stated that 'suicidal ideation' is one recognised side effect of taking finasteride, but if a patient had not experienced those thoughts whilst on the drug they would not suffer those after the drug is out of their system. Dr Farjo said he was unaware Sam had begun taking dutasteride, which he described as 'more powerful' than finasteride. He said the known side effects of both drugs are the same, apart from finasteride has been reported by the BNF to cause suicidal ideation. Dr Farjo acknowledged, under questioning from Ms Guy, there may be an underreporting of suicidal ideation by patients following a course of dutasteride. 'Dutasteride is not licensed for hair loss in this country, and it is not commonly prescribed,' he said. 'The reason the BNF suicide ideation is not mentioned for dutasteride is because it has not been reported, whereas it has been reported for finasteride.' Dr Farjo said that it would have been easy to access a course of dutasteride himself. He said numerous private medical supply companies are 'sprouting up' to prescribe drugs to patients, without seeing them in person. Ms Guy told the inquest that Sam had moved to Dubai to teach in August, last year, with a view to her joining him at a later date. She said he had 'struggled at times with his self-esteem' due to his perceived hair loss, but she felt his condition was not a bad as he believed. His GP and family told the inquest Sam had no history of mental illness or self-harm he was a 'bright and happy individual'. He appeared to be thriving in Dubai, enjoying swims, the gym and getting in more than 20,000 steps a day. However, he was found dead in his apartment by a work colleague on 19 September – just five weeks after arriving in Dubai. More Trending He left no suicide note and a post-mortem found no alcohol or drugs in his system. Following Coroner Longstaff's finding of 'suicide', Ms Guy said outside court that she hoped people who may be suffering suicidal thoughts whilst taking dutasteride to come forward. She said: 'People feeling by side effects with dutasteride should report them, especially if they are feeling suicidal. 'People need to be aware that they may be having suicidal ideation because of the drug.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Our daughter was crushed to death by a hotel wardrobe – we still haven't got answers MORE: Soldier was 'degraded' by superior officers before being found dead in barracks MORE: Police officer died 'after being struck by train while helping man on railway'
Borneo Post
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Modern elements eroding identity of traditional dressing of Sabah, Sarawak
Sarah Sanapan said that the Dusun Tindal shirt is among the best-selling, especially among Sabahans in the Peninsula, foreign tourists and cultural dancers. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (June 1): The combination of black fabric with touches of golden lace and sparkling beads continues to make traditional Sabah and Sarawak attire an admiration among many during the Kaamatan and Gawai Festival. Now, traditional clothing that was once popular only in two states in Borneo is increasingly gaining ground among young people, especially those working in the federal capital. The evidence was clearly visible at the Borneo Native Festival (BNF) at Pasar Seni here last week when many visitors appeared in traditional Sabah and Sarawak clothing, matched with modern styles. However, the increasing variety of modern styles is a little worrying for Sarah Sanapan, 59, a traditional Sabah tailor who strives to maintain the authenticity of each of her designs, especially the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, and Rungus (KDMR) clothing, so that it does not become lost over time. 'I am afraid that amidst the increasingly rapid stream of modernisation, traditional clothing is starting to lose its touch of authenticity with attempts to modernise it,' she told Bernama when met during the BNF recently. With over 20 years of experience sewing traditional KDMR clothes, the Bisaya woman said that traditional clothing tailors like her should play the role of cultural ambassadors to advise customers to maintain authentic traditional clothing. Sharing the process of sewing traditional clothing, Sarah noted that Sabah's traditional clothing varies according to tribes and regions, but the Sinipak Dusun Tindal shirt from Kota Belud is among the most complicated and time-consuming to complete. 'To complete a set of Dusun Tindal shirts takes five days because it requires precision when sewing the para-para (sleeves), siling (golden lace) and beads and the easiest is the Kadazan Penampang shirt with five suits completed in a day,' she said. However, Sarah said that the Dusun Tindal shirt is among the best-selling, especially among Sabahans in the Peninsula, foreign tourists and cultural dancers. Regarding the price of traditional clothing, she said it is sold between RM300 and RM2,000, depending on the jewellery and needs to be matched with accessories such as necklaces, bracelets and belts called himpogot or tangkong. Also sharing the importance of maintaining the authenticity of traditional clothing is Catherine Eric, a 57-year-old tailor from Sarawak, who first brought a collection from her state to Peninsular Malaysia through BNF. The Iban woman is concerned that incorporating too many modern elements or applications into traditional clothing will dilute the traditional art and meaning inherent in each garment. Catherine also shared that she receives many orders for traditional Bidayuh clothing, however, the sewing process takes time because the lis (golden lace) part needs to be sewn carefully. 'Usually it takes me two to three days to complete a set of Bidayuh clothes, but if there is an urgent request, I will try to at least complete the clothes in a day,' she said. A pair of Bidayuh women's clothes without any ornaments cost between RM250 to RM450 and it could reach RM1,500 if worn complete with ornaments such as a scarf, belt, bracelets and anklets, she said. Regarding BNF, Sarah and Catherine agreed that it is like a cultural bridge that introduces the rich arts and traditions of Sabah and Sarawak to the various ethnic communities in Peninsular Malaysia as well as foreign tourists. The annual festival, the Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Day, are always eagerly awaited by the Borneo community in Peninsular Malaysia.-Bernama
