Kota Kinabalu: An appeal was launched on an online petition platform late Saturday night against the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan’s (UNK) pay-per-vote system.
In the petition's mission statement on change.org, the creator named “Orang Kampung” said the UNK pageant is a portrayal of the Kaamatan spirit to commemorate the legendary Huminodun who sacrificed herself for the good of the people.
“However, the organisation of UNK in 2021 does not show fairness in the judging system to find the winners for the Unduk Ngadau title when a voting system that involved money was used,” the petitioner said.
Moreover, people are struggling with their own economic situations during the pandemic, the petition creator said.
“This protest urges the organisers to use a fair system which does not burden the people.
“The UNK contestants do not come from wealthy families and the experience (to join UNK) would be meaningful for their lives.”
The petition creator also urged the organisers not to turn the Kaamatan Festival into a platform to gain “easy money” or taint the image of the festival.
The public voting system was introduced by the organisers to select the Top 21 out of 79 UNK constituency/KDCA branch representatives.
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