Liew (middle), flanked by Assistant Finance Minister and Likas Assemblyman Datuk Tan Lee Fatt (right) and Dr Sabin symbolically cuts padi stalks to mark the significance of Kaamatan. At far right is DBKK Director-General Lifred Wong.
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew underscored the importance of Kota Kinabalu as Sabah’s capital and administrative hub in ensuring the continued vibrancy of the Kaamatan celebration.
“I commend the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), especially under the leadership of Mayor Dato’ Sri Dr Sabin Samitah, for making Kaamatan not merely an annual festivity, but a meaningful celebration that resonates with our community and strengthens shared memories,” she said when launching the Kota Kinabalu-level Pesta Kaamatan celebration at the Oval, Imago, here yesterday.
Liew urged city residents to embrace Kaamatan as a platform for identity building, mutual respect and the strengthening of unity that has been passed down through generations.
“This celebration shows how Sabah’s diverse communities turn differences into strengths. The spirit of gotong-royong, respect, and acceptance is what makes Sabah unique and admired, both nationally and globally,” said Liew, who is also Api-Api Assemblywoman.
Describing Kaamatan as more than a post-harvest ritual, she said it represents the soul of Sabah’s cultural life—expressed through stories, traditional garments, graceful dances, and the soulful beat of the kulintangan, as well as the unity felt in handshakes shared across races and religions.
Liew highlighted the deep cultural philosophy of the Kadazandusun and Murut communities in honouring Bambarayon, the spirit of paddy, symbolising gratitude and respect for land as a living heritage.
“As Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, I see Kaamatan as both cultural heritage and a driver of the cultural economy. It opens doors for artists, creative practitioners, entrepreneurs, and heritage bearers,” she said.
She said events like the Linundus Unduk Ngadau competition, cultural performances, craft showcases and traditional food exhibitions are vital platforms that empower identity, especially among youth who are increasingly conscious and courageous in preserving their roots.
“In today’s digital, fast-paced world, our responsibility is to ensure that cultural values are not drowned out by the noise of progress,” she stressed.
Liew also reminded the public that cultural sustainability must go hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship.
“As we celebrate Kaamatan, let us also uphold environmental care—by reducing plastic usage, spreading awareness, and loving the Earth as much as we love our culture,” she said.
