Choose leaders wisely to ensure continuous development
- nabalunews
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
5 May 2025
RANAU: The people of Kundasang are urged to continue practising the spirit of consensus and to exercise wisdom in selecting leaders in the upcoming State Election (PRN) to ensure the ongoing progress of development initiatives, particularly in the Ulu Sugut region.
Dounis Sani, Kundasang Community Development Leader (PPM), made this appeal while representing the Deputy Chief Minister II and Kundasang State Assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, at the opening of the Second SUTATI Ethnic Festival (Sungai, Talantang, and Tinagas), a lively and well-attended event in Ulu Sugut recently.
“I am very enthusiastic about this edition of the SUTATI Festival and optimistic that future events will benefit from additional funding, enabling all activities to be conducted more vibrantly and comprehensively.
“This will, in turn, encourage greater participation, especially from local communities and domestic tourists, including flagship events such as the 6th Ulu Sugut Offroad Challenge,” he said.
He emphasised that organising such ethnic festivals aligns with the State Government’s aspiration to empower ethnic associations in preserving languages, traditions, and cultures as invaluable heritage for future generations.
Dounis further noted that having a representative who also holds the position of Deputy Chief Minister and full Minister offers significant advantages in terms of disbursing allocated funds.
“This not only facilitates the organisation of programmes like this festival but also unlocks more development opportunities for the entire Kundasang area,” he stated.
Moreover, he highlighted that strong community support and the spirit of consensus are vital to ensuring the smooth running of events and to fostering positive social and economic impacts locally, especially for the SUTATI ethnic community.
“Initiatives like this also provide opportunities to boost the community’s economy and to promote Ulu Sugut, Ranau, as a new potential tourism destination,” he said.
The organisation of the Second SUTATI Festival and the 6th Ulu Sugut Offroad Challenge 2025 received widespread support from various parties, reflecting a spirit of cooperation in promoting local culture and heritage.
Jaminus Agang, Vice President II of the Sabah Tinagas Association and Chairman of the Ulu Sugut Ranau Sports and Recreation Club, who is also the event organiser, expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to and supported the festival.
“I would like to extend special thanks to Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Joachim Gunsalam as the main benefactor and Senior Advisor of the SUTATI Festival. His vital role was instrumental in ensuring the success of this edition,” he said.
He also conveyed appreciation to Ranau District Officer, Tinus Manggam, for his unwavering support in ensuring the smooth organisation of the entire programme.
Other key contributors included the Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), Lee Nyap Group Sdn Bhd, JR Auto Parts, and Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, with organisations such as Lozai Engineering, SPC 4X4, Hin Nyap Auto Parts, and Armada Xtreme also providing support.
Throughout the festival, a variety of exciting activities took place, including cultural performances, exhibitions, traditional sports, water activities, the Sugandoi SUTATI singing contest, the SUTATI Concert, and the evening ‘Masaan’ SUTATI event, which added colour to the programme.
This edition also introduced a new element through ‘Masaan’ SUTATI, featuring performances by girls dressed in Unduk Ngadau-style costumes, highlighting the uniqueness and beauty of their traditional costumes.
For the first time, organisers introduced the SUTATI Hero Award to recognise individuals who have made notable contributions to the preservation of their ethnic cultures. The awards were presented to Haji Din Solinggong @ Lubin (Tinagas ethnicity), Jimin Kidot (Talantang ethnicity), and Ghani Tahir (Orang Sungai ethnicity).
Meanwhile, the 6th Ulu Sugut Offroad Challenge 2025 saw the participation of 27 contestants from both within and outside the region, showcasing the spirit of extreme sports and physical endurance among youth.
Jaminus expressed hope that the SUTATI Festival will continue to be organised in future years with even greater support from the state government and local leaders.
“Given the important role played by the Kundasang State Assemblyman as Deputy Chief Minister and full Minister, I am confident that this festival will continue to grow, especially if he continues to garner support in the forthcoming PRN,” he said.
He also called on all SUTATI ethnic leaders and associated organisations to work together and unite in safeguarding and promoting Sabah’s cultural heritage.
Those present at the event included Din Solinggong @ Lubin, Adviser to the Sabah Tinagas Association; Alyiu Zinin, President of the Ranau Four Wheels Drive Association (RFWDA); Arnie Hj Din, President of the Sabah Tinagas Association; Jimin Kidot, President of the Sabah Talantang Association; Junisa Agang, Chairperson of the Ulu Tourism Association; as well as community leaders, village heads, and Chairmen of the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK).
