By Gagasan Women Youth Chief Emmie M. Idang
KOTA KINABALU: I am deeply concerned about recent report in the Daily Express of the alleged defamatory remarks made towards a participant of this year Unduk Ngadau’s selection.
It is disheartening to hear that there are individuals for reasons known to them who choose to denigrate and insult those who participate in the selection.
I understand that the said participant had made a police report and intends to commence a defamation action at the native court, and I support her decision.
No one should have to endure negative remarks which are defamatory about her or her family or her culture simply for participating in a festival that celebrates our unity as natives of Sabah.
This year’s theme for the natives harvest festival is ‘Harvest festival enculturates unity’, and it is important that we stay true to this theme. We should all be proud of our diverse cultures and traditions, and we should celebrate them together in the spirit of unity.
I urge all participants not to be discouraged by such negative remarks, but rather to hold their heads up high and take pride in being natives of Sabah.
Let us continue to celebrate our cultures and traditions.
