State Capital as Administrative Centre Ensures Continuation of Cultural Celebrations

Liew (centre) strikes the gong to mark the official launch of the celebration.

18 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: As the State capital and administrative centre, Kota Kinabalu plays a vital role in ensuring that cultural celebrations such as Kaamatan continue to flourish.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, highlighted this significance when she officiated the Kota Kinabalu City-Level Pesta Kaamatan Celebration at the Oval, Imago, on Saturday.

“I commend the efforts of Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), especially under the leadership of Dato’ Sri Dr Haji Sabin Samitah, Mayor of Kota Kinabalu, along with his entire team, for making Kaamatan not merely an annual event, but a meaningful experience that touches hearts and creates shared memories among city residents.

“I urge all citizens of this city to view Kaamatan as a platform to strengthen our identity, cultivate mutual respect, and reinforce the unity that has been passed down through generations.

“This celebration exemplifies how Sabah’s diverse communities embrace differences as strengths, rather than obstacles. The spirit of gotong-royong (mutual cooperation), respect, and acceptance is what makes Sabah unique and admired — not only in Malaysia, but globally,” said Liew, who is also the State Assemblywoman for Api-Api.

Describing Kaamatan as more than a post-harvest ritual, she added that it embodies the soul of Sabah’s cultural life — conveyed through ancestral stories, woven into traditional fabrics, expressed in graceful dance, echoed in the rhythms of the kulintangan, and felt in the warmth of handshakes that cross racial and religious boundaries.

The Kadazandusun and Murut communities celebrate Kaamatan as a tribute to Bambarayon, the spirit of the paddy that sustains life. Liew emphasised that, in their philosophy, land is not merely a place to stand, but a living heritage. "Bambarayon is not just a myth — it is a symbol of gratitude manifested through cultural practices and expressions."

“As Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, I regard Kaamatan not only as a cherished heritage, but also as a driver of the cultural economy — creating opportunities for artists, creative communities, local entrepreneurs, and heritage practitioners.

“Programmes such as the Linundus Unduk Ngadau competition, cultural performances, craft exhibitions and traditional food showcases are not mere side events. They are platforms for cultural expression and empowerment, especially for the younger generation, who are increasingly culturally conscious and bold in taking up the mantle of heritage.

“In an era increasingly defined by modernity and digitalisation, it is our responsibility to ensure these cultural values are not drowned out by the noise of progress,” she stressed.

Liew also reminded the public that cultural sustainability cannot be achieved without environmental sustainability.

“As we celebrate Kaamatan, let us also embrace environmental stewardship , reduce the use of plastic, raise awareness, and love the Earth as we love our culture,” she concluded.