RANAU: Preserving cultural heritage while embracing development is vital in strengthening community identity and ensuring future progress, said Paginatan Assemblyman Datuk Rusdin Riman during the inaugural Pesta Kaamatan celebration for the State constituency.
Rusdin, who is also Chairman of Sabah Credit Corporation, said culture plays an important role in shaping values such as cooperation, mutual respect and the spirit of gotong-royong among the people.
The event, held at Dewan Kg Kilimu, was officiated by Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living and Papar Member of Parliament.
Also present were Ranau Member of Parliament Datuk Jonathan Yasin, Ranau District Officer Tinus Manggam, Ranau Police Chief Supt Mursalin Mahmud, Programme Director and Chairman of Persatuan Kebudayaan Etnik Dusun Ranau (PKEDR) Kereen Doumi, representatives from Sabah Credit Corporation and community leaders.
Rusdin welcomed Armizan and his delegation to Paginatan and thanked them for attending and officiating the celebration.
He noted that Sabah celebrates Pesta Kaamatan annually throughout May, with this year’s state-level launch having taken place in Papar on May 1.
Celebrations are also being held across districts Statewide, including in the Klang Valley and Johor, before culminating in the state-level celebration on May 30 and 31 at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA in Penampang.
According to Rusdin, the people of Paginatan have always been closely associated with Kaamatan celebrations, often observing the festival together as one community and family.
“This shows that culture cannot be separated from the society and people who uphold it,” he said.
Quoting national scholar Syed Hussein Alatas, Rusdin said development should not focus solely on economic progress, but must also include cultural values, critical thinking and the strengthening of identity within society.
He said the inaugural constituency-level celebration this year provided added value to community development, particularly through the promotion of traditional arts, local cuisine, handicrafts, customs and creative industries, which could also contribute to the local economy and tourism sector.
Rusdin added that balancing development with cultural preservation is important in ensuring traditional heritage continues to thrive amid changing times.
This year’s Pesta Kaamatan Paginatan carries the theme “Momogompi Koubasanan, Popoingkakat Tinungkusan” or “Preserving Culture, Elevating Heritage.”
He said the theme reflects the hope that traditional culture will continue to be appreciated by younger generations while serving as a unifying force and economic catalyst for the community.
Rusdin also expressed appreciation to contributors, sponsors and organising committees involved in ensuring the smooth running of the event.
Special thanks were extended to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) for organising the Rahmah Sales Programme during the celebration, allowing residents to purchase daily necessities at affordable prices.
He also thanked Sabah Credit Corporation for serving as co-host and main sponsor, as well as PKEDR for its role as organiser and co-host of the event.
