KOTA KINABALU: A former Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) vice-president has urged the association to pull up its socks and put the state-level Pesta Kaamatan into better light in view of what he called “careless messing up” of the celebration.
In a statement here, Richard Libun Adou expressed his deep disappointment that the true meaning of Kaamatan has been contaminated with non-traditional activities and excessive drinking, especially in the Hongkod grounds.
“As someone who is proud of his people’s cultural heritage I took a friend from Kuching to the Hongkod grounds on May 28 to let him enjoy a sampling of the Kadazandusun cultural heritage and identity.
“But what we saw was so embarrassing and disappointing, causing me to bring him out back to Kota Kinabalu not long after,” Adou said.
“I was shocked that in the traditional houses there were nothing but drinking with loud karaoke sessions, with many of the participants stone drunk. The Murut longhouse where I hoped to see the traditional lansaran dance, was empty.
“But the other traditional houses were open with activities. What I expected was at least some kind of cultural exhibitions and cultural performances such as sumazau, traditional music and handicraft exhibition.
“But it turned out that KDCA has allowed the houses to be nothing but drinking and singing sessions with contamination of western culture,” he claimed.
Adou said that from about one whole week before the 30th and 31st May celebrations, the Hongkod grounds had been allowed to be turned into a collection of night clubs.
“In the traditional houses they were conducting karaoke and drinking sessions with dimmed lights,” he said.
“Where is the spirit of Kaamatan based on noble values and display of authentic cultural heritage? It looks like the organizers themselves are promoting binge drinking a whole week before the Kaamatan finale.
“As a member and former leader of KDCA, I am deeply disappointed that the association is pandering to the unhealthy habits of our people as if they have no creativity to bring more artistic display of our people’s heritage other than ugly intoxication.
“The Huguan Siou himself should look into this degradation and ensure next year’s celebrations will have a more authentic and honourable display of our people’s culture,” he concluded.