Latest news with #KaamatanMontokToinsanan
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sabahan spirit shines at Kaamatan celebration in UK
SAUK Kaamatan Unduk Ngadau 2025 contestants. From left: Clara Zubilewicz (Basingstoke), Anya Mae Kolis-Mee (Leicester/Penampang), Mia Ming Steel (London/Papar), Maya Linawa Graham (Littlehampton/Penampang) and Cameron Ann Steel (London/Papar). KOTA KINABALU (July 9): Sabahan Abroad UK (SAUK) brought the vibrant spirit of Sabah to Old Basing Hall, Basingstoke as around 200 attendees from the UK, Norway, France, Germany, Switzerland and Sabah gathered to celebrate Kaamatan, with the theme 'Kaamatan for Everyone' or 'Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan' recently. This cultural showcase brought together communities through food, music and shared heritage. Daytime activities included traditional games like arm wrestling, while the evening opened with Momokis by Jennifer Lasimbang, magagung and sumazau performances led by Jessie Robert and Hayden Hansanon. The emotional highlight was a dramatic retelling of the Huminodun legend by Savillah Angell, followed by a moving Magavau chant from Olga George Kiloh that brought many to tears. 'The event was very well organised. I'm so happy to see the younger generation performing sumazau and singing in Kadazandusun. Aramaitii betul – it felt like Sabah in the UK!' shared Christina Langgayang from Norway. The community's generosity shone during the 'Buy My Voice' karaoke fundraiser, supporting students at Asrama Santa Maria Goretti in Keningau and the construction of St Mary Perpetual Help Chapel in Tambunan, strengthening ties with their Sabahan homeland. The evening's highlight was the Unduk Ngadau pageant, where five contestants dazzled in traditional attire. Mia Ming-Steel from Papar/London was crowned 'Sauk Kaamatan 2025 Unduk Ngadau' for her cultural pride and eloquence. No Kaamatan celebration is complete without food, and guests enjoyed authentic Sabahan dishes like bambangan, pinasakan and hinava, lovingly prepared by Nelda Hendon, Leorita Joseph Henry and Emelda Spencer. The event was made possible by the generosity of numerous UK and overseas sponsors, with special thanks to Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit for their unwavering support in preserving Sabah's heritage abroad. This was echoed in a warm personal greeting from Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 'As we celebrate, let us also commit to protecting our land, honouring our ancestors, and embracing the future with hope,' reminded SAUK president Alfred Raymond Lee. Laura Andrew, Mariecella J Lease and Savillah Angell led by Jessie Robert performing a traditional dance of Kulintangan group.
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Strong Federal-state ties key to advancing Sabah's development agenda, says Hajiji
PENAMPANG: Sabah's development agenda will advance more effectively with strong support and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed confidence that a solid relationship between the two parties would be a catalyst for the successful implementation of the state's development policies. 'This cooperation is vital to ensure the people of Sabah benefit directly,' he said at the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here today. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to Anwar for officiating the event, describing his presence as a clear sign of the Federal government's commitment to Sabah. He noted that this year's Kaamatan Festival, themed 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan', marks the 65th official celebration since its formal introduction in 1960. 'Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah, values that must be preserved. It does not belong to any one ethnic group, but to all Sabahans. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and cohesion that underpins the state's stability,' he said. Hajiji further affirmed the state government's continued commitment to strengthening rural socio-economic development through a range of strategic approaches, such as agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of community-based tourism. 'These efforts form a critical pillar of our mission to enhance the well-being of the people holistically and inclusively, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,' he added. He emphasised the importance of expanding economic opportunities for rural communities, through modern agriculture, community-based tourism and skills training to help increase household income and reduce the poverty rate. He highlighted that the reactivation of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is aimed at enhancing food security through increased local rice self-sufficiency. 'Our target is to achieve 30 percent rice self-sufficiency by next year and 60 percent by 2030. This is a vital step towards reducing import dependency and strengthening local food supply resilience,' he said.
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Hajiji: Federal-state unity key to Sabah's progress
PENAMPANG: Sabah's development agenda will advance more effectively with strong support and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed confidence that a solid relationship between the two parties would be a catalyst for the successful implementation of the state's development policies. 'This cooperation is vital to ensure the people of Sabah benefit directly,' he said at the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here today. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to Anwar for officiating the event, describing his presence as a clear sign of the Federal government's commitment to Sabah. He noted that this year's Kaamatan Festival, themed 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan', marks the 65th official celebration since its formal introduction in 1960. 'Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah, values that must be preserved. It does not belong to any one ethnic group, but to all Sabahans. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and cohesion that underpins the state's stability,' he said. Hajiji further affirmed the state government's continued commitment to strengthening rural socio-economic development through a range of strategic approaches, such as agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of community-based tourism. 'These efforts form a critical pillar of our mission to enhance the well-being of the people holistically and inclusively, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,' he added. He emphasised the importance of expanding economic opportunities for rural communities, through modern agriculture, community-based tourism and skills training to help increase household income and reduce the poverty rate. He highlighted that the reactivation of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is aimed at enhancing food security through increased local rice self-sufficiency. 'Our target is to achieve 30 percent rice self-sufficiency by next year and 60 percent by 2030. This is a vital step towards reducing import dependency and strengthening local food supply resilience,' he said.
Borneo Post
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Strong Federal-State ties key to advancing Sabah's development agenda, says Hajiji
Hajiji (second left) witnessing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hitting the gong, symbolising the launch of the Kaamatan Festival. PENAMPANG (May 30): Sabah's development agenda will advance more effectively with strong support and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed confidence that a solid relationship between the two parties would be a catalyst for the successful implementation of the state's development policies. 'This cooperation is vital to ensure the people of Sabah benefit directly,' he said at the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here on Friday. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to Anwar for officiating the event, describing his presence as a clear sign of the Federal government's commitment to Sabah. He noted that this year's Kaamatan Festival, themed 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan', marks the 65th official celebration since its formal introduction in 1960. 'Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah, values that must be preserved. It does not belong to any one ethnic group, but to all Sabahans. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and cohesion that underpins the state's stability,' he said. Hajiji further affirmed the state government's continued commitment to strengthening rural socio-economic development through a range of strategic approaches, such as agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of community-based tourism. 'These efforts form a critical pillar of our mission to enhance the well-being of the people holistically and inclusively, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,' he added. He emphasised the importance of expanding economic opportunities for rural communities, through modern agriculture, community-based tourism and skills training to help increase household income and reduce the poverty rate. He highlighted that the reactivation of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is aimed at enhancing food security through increased local rice self-sufficiency. 'Our target is to achieve 30 percent rice self-sufficiency by next year and 60 percent by 2030. This is a vital step towards reducing import dependency and strengthening local food supply resilience,' he said. —Bernama
Barnama
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Strong Federal-state Ties Key To Advancing Sabah's Development Agenda, Says Hajiji
PENAMPANG, May 30 (Bernama) -- Sabah's development agenda will advance more effectively with strong support and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed confidence that a solid relationship between the two parties would be a catalyst for the successful implementation of the state's development policies. 'This cooperation is vital to ensure the people of Sabah benefit directly,' he said at the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here today. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to Anwar for officiating the event, describing his presence as a clear sign of the Federal government's commitment to Sabah. He noted that this year's Kaamatan Festival, themed "Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan", marks the 65th official celebration since its formal introduction in 1960. 'Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah, values that must be preserved. It does not belong to any one ethnic group, but to all Sabahans. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and cohesion that underpins the state's stability,' he said. Hajiji further affirmed the state government's continued commitment to strengthening rural socio-economic development through a range of strategic approaches, such as agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of community-based tourism. 'These efforts form a critical pillar of our mission to enhance the well-being of the people holistically and inclusively, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,' he added.
