PENAMPANG: The decision to disqualify the representative from the Banggi district to contest in the state-level Unduk Ngadau had been accepted, said Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
The paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community was referring to a controversial mix-up over the results of the Kaamatan Festival beauty pageant at the district-level.
Lusilah Retni Lim was initially crowned the pageant winner for Banggi but four days later, one of the finalists Erlasttini Ernie Bidi stepped forward, claiming that she was the rightful winner and the emcee had made an error when announcing the winner’s name.
“There is nothing else that can be done and we have agreed to the decision.
“Those who could change it will be the Unduk Ngadau committee at the district level,” he said during a press conference after launching traditional sports, agricultural and cultural exhibitions in conjunction with the Kaamatan festival at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association building here.
Pairin, who is also deputy Chief Minister, said the aim of the festival was to unite people through mutual understanding and respect.
“The festival is an important guideline for the people to continue to respect each other and upkeep the peace.
“We hope the youth will continue to celebrate the festival to ensure the continuity of the tradition and make it better to boost its image.”
The culmination of the festival will see the crowning of the ‘Huminudon’ of the 44 beauties from across the state during the Unduk Ngadau tomorrow.
According to legend, the beautiful maiden Huminudon was offered as a sacrifice to paddy spirits to save the people from famine.