Rubin says Kalimaran is continuing a tradition
Tenom: Persatuan Murut Sabah (PMS) President Datuk Rubin Balang said the Pesta Kalimaran is a continuation of the Injawari celebrated by the Murut ethnic community, a celebration inherited from their ancestors.
Rubin said Injawari is a celebration of customs and culture, annually celebrated during the colonial times.
The celebration remains lively and vibrant despite not receiving funds from the British government to conduct the celebration.
“Today, we continue to celebrate this event with upgraded features, including changing its identity while still maintaining its concept to preserve the customary treasures and cultures of the Muruts.
“Pesta Kalimaran is not only celebrated to preserve our customs and culture…but is also a tourism product whereby the festival has been in the State’s annual celebration calendar for the past 11 years,” he said.
Earlier, Rubin said Pesta Kalimaran is held at district levels dominated by the Murut community before being held at State-level.
Rubin, who is Tenom Umno Chief and Tenom Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman, said he is grateful and thank BN leadership Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman for the constant support of the celebration.
“This time around, we spent RM1 million for the Pesta Kalimaran, in which RM500,000 is for the cost of the celebration, while RM500,000 for the filling of activities and does not include the RM300,000 approved by Musa,” he said.
He said this when welcoming Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to officiate the State-level Pesta Kalimaran here, attended by over 5,000 people.
On that note, Rubin urged the people remain united and foster close ties to ensure a harmonious and peaceful environment.
“We have close relationship with the Federal Government…in fact we will support BN government for the sustainability of our development because our area, especially in Rundum and Kapulu is in dire need of proper roads.
“So far, RM3.6 million for the construction and upgrading of roads at Rundum is currently being done by appointed contractors…while the road between Kapulu and Sumambu which will cost about RM400,000 is underway and in the process of appointing a contractor to implement it,” he said.
In addition, Rubin also supported the memorandum delivered by the Tenom Chinese Chamber of Commerce to the Deputy Prime Minister at the Tenom Umno Office on Monday, for a new road linking Beaufort to be constructed.
This was to reduce traffic congestion and risk of accidents along the hilly stretch from Jalan Kimanis to Keningau. – Mail Mathew
Source: Daily Express
