SOOK: Residents of six predominantly Muslim villages in the district joined hands to celebrate the Kaamatan Festival, highlighting Sabah’s unique cultural inclusiveness in the spirit of Malaysia Madani, a vision rooted in unity and harmony.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin said the participating villages, Kampung Johan Jaya, Terelobou, Nukakatan, Seri Buloh, Binuwou Tengah, and Malima, all within the Tiulon D sub-district, embraced the festival not just as a cultural celebration, but as a symbol of gratitude and unity among the diverse communities of Sabah.
Speaking to the media after officiating the joint Kaamatan celebration at the Johan Jaya village hall last Saturday, Ellron, who is also Sook Assemblyman, emphasised that Kaamatan has become a celebration for all, conducted with respect and openness, in line with the values of mutual respect that underpin Malaysian society.
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');});“What makes this celebration unique is that most of the villagers here are Muslims. This reflects Sabah’s harmony, regardless of religion, the Kaamatan is still celebrated. While there may be some differences in practice, mutual respect remains strong,” he said.
Ellron noted that this inclusive spirit resonates with this year’s Kaamatan theme, “Kaamatan For All”.
The joint celebration featured traditional sports and cultural performances, drawing enthusiastic participation from all six villages.
Also present were Sook Community Development Leader Tony Talasoi, Johan Jaya Village Chief Muhidin Mahali, and other local community leaders.
