Sabah Fest focuses on Mat Salleh /Tawau angler's 39kg grouper wins Sabah tournament/

By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU:  Sabah Fest 2016 will stage a show showcasing the adventures of legendary warrior “Mat Salleh”, a hero among locals, who fought for freedom during the British rule. 

The three-day extravaganza themed “Gulu-Gulu: A tribute to the past”,  will start at the National Department for Culture and Arts Sabah here on Friday.

It presents Sabah's exciting history, natural beauty and diverse ethnic culture via a stage performance.

Lead actor Royliten Robert, 25, is no stranger to the cultural dance and theatrical performing scene while Mat Salleh’s wife, Dang Bandang will be played by newbcomer 21-year-old Nur Hidaiyah Mohd Noor.

Dang is portrayed as the source of strength in her husband’s fight during the colonial era between 1894 in Sandakan until Mat Salleh’s death in Tambunan in 1900.

The show will also feature a dance called Singkil by the Suluk ethnic group from Sandakan which was commonly performed in the palace in the olden days and meant for courtship.

Princes and princesses will interact amidst the clashing of criss-crossed bamboo poles in syncopated rhythm.  

Other ethnic groups such as the Kadazan Penampang will also present Sumazau dance, Dusun Liwan of Ranau (Medtemu and Sumirip dance), Bajau Sama of Semporna (Lambaiyan and Kuntau), and the Dusun Tambunan (Magarang).

During the fest, there will be traditional food and handicraft showcased from 5pm to 10pm at the compound of the event.

The show starts at 8pm and tickets are priced at RM50.

More information can be obtained from event manager Zachary Mobijohn at 088-232121.

May 1, 2016 Sunday

KOTA KINABALU: Annual Sabah Fest will be a good medium to tell more legends and myths in Sabah to the public, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

“We hope to educate the public about our history and personalities in a more entertaining way.

“But most importantly, we hope all races in Sabah will feel a sense of belonging through such event,” he said during a recent media preview of the show at the National Department for Culture and Arts Sabah here.

The fest had also featured historical railways in “Enjin Puput” in 2014 and caves at east coast in Sabah for “Agop” last year.    

This year, Sabah Fest themed “Gulu Gulu: a tribute to the past”, is a show about the adventures of legendary warrior “Mat Salleh”, a hero among locals, who fought for freedom during the British rule.

Masidi added he was aware for some people, Mat Salleh had been regarded as a villain.

“Therefore the show is being presented in non-judgmental and neutral approach by featuring ethnic dances from around the state,” he said, adding the show was also a prelude to month-long statewide Harvest Festival in the state which starts today.

Both three fest had also highlighted love stories to spice up the entire show.

The three-day extravaganza, which begins on Friday, was launched by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah Tun Juhar Mahiruddin here yesterday.


Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman also launched the handicraft showcase and traditional food booths which held concurrently with the Sabah Fest.




KOTA KINABALU: Tawau angler emerged champion in the 23rd Sabah International Fishing Tournament on Sunday.
Grand-prize winner Yee Chen Yun landed a 38.9kg giant grouper and bagged RM25,000, a trophy, a gold medal and fishing gear.
Yee, who is a fertiliser supplier, said he did not expect to win as last year’s winner Ker Chin Cheang from Labuan, landed an 85kg giant grouper.
“I have been participating in fishing competitions but the biggest catch was a 12 kg fish.
“I am grateful for my win and for the support of my family to pursue this hobby,” he said during the prize presentation here on Sunday.
This year, the tournament was held at Layang Layang reef from Tuesday until Sunday.
The high waves and strong winds during the competition made the competition extra challenging.
Yee defeated 157 other participants, including from China, Brunei Darussalam, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Philippines, United Kingdom, Australia and Vietnam.
Five other winners also brought back a total of cash prizes worth RM16,500.
Lim Seong Keng placed at second place after reeling in a 38.4 kg giant grouper, while Awg Abdul Latif Thabit of Brunei won third place with a 33.2kg Escolar.
The fourth place went to Sylvester Sing of Kota Kinabalu (29.3kg Escolar) followed by Ma Guan Ming of China with a 25.4kg Escolar.
Other contestant from Tawau, Kong Fui Pin, was placed sixth after landing a 23.2kg Dogtooth.
The organizer also collected RM2,100 in the auction for the fishes caught and the proceeds was given to a local single mothers association.
There were 103 international anglers with most participation of 60 people from China.
Present were Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and City Hall mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai.

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