TONGOD: There is a flaw in the use of the native language that needs to be corrected in the history of the Unduk Ngadau competition, said Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah.
“Although, the Kadazan Dusun language is used during the question and answer session for each participant, but not many Unduk Ngadau participants have master their native tongue
“This issue clearly denies the opportunity for Unduk Ngadau contestants to step up to a higher level even though they have what it takes as potential queens,” he said.
He was speaking at the Tongod District Kaamatan Festival, which was officiated by the Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Datuk Dr Jeffery G. Kitingan on Saturday.
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“This issue also denies the opportunity for Unduk Ngadau participants to step up to a higher level even though they have other advantages in terms of beauty,” he said.
Masiung suggested that the questions and answers of Unduk Ngadau participants should not only be limited to the Kadazan Dusun language, but should be diversified according to the dialect of the participant’s region.
The Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Vice President wants the State Kaamatan Festival Committee to draw up new guidelines next year regarding the conditions of the competition.
He said the traditional highlight of the Kaamatan Festival in Sabah needs to be improved, not only dignifying the tribal language, but it is necessary to display traditional clothes according to each ethnic branch.
Masiung also urged the State Kaamatan Festival Committee to send some of the festival’s presenters to courses to master the dialects of other ethnic languages in Sabah.
He said the biggest festival in Sabah should be shared to promote cultural traditions according to the 33 ethnic lists in the State.
Elviana Gunong was crowned Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Tongod 2024 and received RM5,000 cash, crown, certificate, trophy, bouquet and beauty vouchers. She also won Miss Favourite.
Elviana will represent Tongod at the Unduk Ngadau competition in the State Capital at the end of this month.
Second and third placing were won by Edna Ezzyira Patarik and Melcie Michelli who received RM3,000 and RM1,000 respectively along with accompanying prizes.
The prize was presented by Datin Cecilia Edwin, the wife of the Jeffrey.
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