Octogenarian among Sabah Fest cultural performers

KOTA KINABALU: An 85-year-old Rungus woman from Kudat is among cultural performers in the Aki Nabalu musical show held in conjunction with Sabah Fest 2014 from May 2 to 4 at National Art and Cultural Department (JKKN) Complex Auditorium here.

Uzok Puluk, who lives in Kampung Tinangol, Kudat told The Borneo Post during a media preview of Aki Nabalu performance on Thursday night that all Rungus in Kudat know how to perform their traditional dance known as Sudai Maigol.

“We still pass the dance to our next generation so that they will not forget their culture. In fact, all Rungus adults in Kudat have their own Rungus traditional costumes,” the octogenarian said.

Uzok, who said her group only took three days to practise with the other performers, explained that she was participating in the performance so that the world could see the true culture of the Rungus people, and at the same time to show the authentic dance that had been passed on for generations.

“What we perform on stage is original, and we also show the audience our healing ritual called Mogkodim do Hatod,” she said.

The theme for the Aki Nabalu celebration this year is drawn largely from local indigenous beliefs and diverse practices of the Kadazandusun and Murut where Kinabalu is a central feature in the traditional, cultural and religious lives of a total of seven ethnic groups.

Meanwhile, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said more clarifications and explanations were needed for the dances.

He said he found a lot of people were confused over the dances as no information was provided.

The Aki Nabalu show will continue today with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman expected to be attending as the guest of honour, from 5pm to 10pm, at JKKN Complex Auditorium.

Source: Borneo Post