Kota Kinabalu: The newly-launched Sabah Mr Kaamatan Alumni Association (PAMRKS) is hoped to strengthen the continuation of Mr Kaamatan or Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan’s (BTK) cultural efforts to inspire the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) community.
Malaysia Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (Maceos) vice-president Datuk Paduka Rehan Rahim, who officiated the launch, said the formation of PAMRKS marks a significant milestone not just as a gathering of former participants, but as a collective effort to uphold and celebrate the richness of Sabah’s cultural heritage.
She praised the initiative by 2024 BTK winner Bonyventure Hee, who initiated the founding of the association as part of his manifesto, calling it a clear demonstration of a lasting and impactful leadership vision.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“A strong manifesto is never a one-off performance or checklist, but one that leaves an enduring legacy – and you (Bonyventure) have achieved just that,” she said on Sunday.
She acknowledged the challenges of forming such an association, including the task of uniting diverse individuals, establishing a sound organisational structure, and aligning the group’s mission with current cultural needs.
Despite these hurdles, she noted the emergence of a renewed spirit – driven by unity, cultural pride, and a strong desire to contribute back to the community.
Rehan cited the Sabah Unduk Ngadau Association (Puns) as an example of how an alumni organisation can continually empower youth and women to elevate traditional culture and leadership.
“I hope PAMRKS can do the same by inspiring more young people to take pride in and uphold the values of KDM heritage,” she said.
She stressed that BTK is not merely a competition but a vital platform for showcasing talent and celebrating indigenous culture and tradition.
She expressed hope that PAMRKS would work hand in hand with the BTK organising committee to ensure continuity of the cultural mission across generations.
The association, she added, could serve as a bridge between the older and younger generation in keeping the Kaamatan spirit alive.
She urged PAMRKS to go beyond cultural celebrations by promoting youth leadership, personal development, and educational advancement through its programmes and activities.
Rehan also said the launching of the association signalled the beginning of a broader cultural movement.
Earlier, PAMRKS founding chairman Bonyventure Hee expressed deep gratitude to Rehan for officiating the launch, saying it signified strong support for youth development and cultural identity.
Bonyventure noted that Rehan’s role in Maceos aligns with PAMRKS’ goal to build an active and impactful alumni network for future community empowerment.
He also thanked BTK organising chairman Casey Jovial for restructuring the BTK platform, which not only fostered talent but helped forge lasting bonds among participants.
“Many of us used to wonder what came after the competition – now we have an answer,” he said, referring to PAMRKS as a new home for alumni.
He described the association’s formation as a long-standing dream since 2008 that had finally become reality with a clear vision and mission.
The vision, he said, is to become a leadership-driven organisation that champions the culture and traditions of the KDM community.
Its mission is to ensure the continuous relevance of the Mr Kaamatan platform in inspiring cultural values and fostering strong alumni ties.
Bonyventure explained that the association’s foundation was not rushed, but instead carefully built over six months through constitutional discussions and inclusive leadership selection.
He stressed that PAMRKS is not a rival to the BTK competition, but a complementary body created to support, not replace, the main event.
The goal, he said, is to ensure that former contestants evolve into community leaders, cultural ambassadors, and positive role models for younger generations.
“Let this not be just a launch on paper, but the start of something bigger,” he told fellow alumni, urging them to take ownership of the association’s growth.
He thanked Allen James, former Mr Kaamatan Kota Marudu winner, for being the first alumni to step forward as a sponsor and believer in the association’s potential.
Bonyventure said that he took his time with the manifesto implementation to ensure that the foundation laid was solid, inclusive, and truly representative of alumni aspirations.
He also engaged with past participants, sponsors, and community stakeholders to ensure PAMRKS would serve as a unifying and meaningful entity.
Meanwhile, Casey disclosed that every district would hold their own BTK competitions starting next year.
He also announced that traditional sports would be made mandatory in district-level BTK events, marking a new chapter in cultural engagement.
Casey expressed hope that PAMRKS would become an organising partner, particularly for district-level activities, while the central BTK committee focused on the state-level competition.
He praised PAMRKS for having a clear vision, creativity, and passion that complements BTK’s own objectives of empowering youth and preserving Sabah’s cultural roots.
“The collaboration between PAMRKS and the BTK committee would be vital in nurturing future generations to take pride in their heritage and identity,” he said.
