PAITAN: Candycyci Liakim, 25, took the title at the district-level Kaamatan celebration held at Dewan Datuk James Ratib in Botition on Sunday, walking away with RM10,000, a crown, sash, trophy and more ceremonial flowers than anyone realistically needs.
She will represent Paitan at the state-level Unduk Ngadau finals later this month in Penampang, where things get awkwardly interesting as she is set to compete against her twin sister, Caesyzizi Liakim, the Lahad Datu titleholder.
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Chellyana Tensu placed second for the second year in a row, earning RM5,000, while Bridget Michael Bouniu finished third with RM3,000. A total of 16 contestants took part, with prizes distributed down to 16th place, because nobody leaves empty-handed at Kaamatan.
The four-day district celebration, held for the first time in Pekan Botition instead of the usual open stage venue, featured cultural events including sugandoi singing, traditional sports, fishing competitions and the opening of the KDCA Paitan building.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Sabah minister and KDCA vice president Datuk James Ratib reminded everyone that Unduk Ngadau winners are not just pageant participants but de facto district ambassadors expected to promote local identity, culture and whatever makes their hometown worth remembering.
Officials also used the event to once again call for unity among Sabah’s diverse communities, because no public gathering is complete without at least one reminder that people should get along.
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