By Olivia Miwil - May 23, 2021 @ 5:45pm
KOTA KINABALU: An online petition has been set up demanding that there should be no vote-buying for the cultural pageant contest or 'Unduk Ngadau'.
The pageant is held in conjunction with the state's annual harvest or Kaamatan festival to commemorate legendary maiden "Huminodun" who sacrificed herself to bring about bountiful harvest for the people.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the organiser has decided to hold the competition that involves 60 per cent online voting which people could also contribute by buying votes.
The month-long festival has called the public to spend a minimum of RM10 for 20 votes of their favourite Unduk Ngadau instead.
Despite the state government allocating some budget for the event, the organiser indicated on the website that only paying user can have access to the live streaming of the upcoming ceremony.
The online petition creator "Orang Kampung" said the organiser's move in monetising the cultural event was unfair and tarnishing its reputation.
"During this pandemic, people are struggling with their own economic (situation) and it will not be fair for high potential candidates to become the example of Huminodun.
"Not all contestants are from wealthy families and such experience will give life-changing opportunity for them.
"It is hoped that the organiser will not make Kaamatan festival a platform for 'easy money and tarnish the event due to bad decision from them."
On the official Facebook page of Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan to You-UNK2U, netizens are also questioning the vote-buying controversy.
Among them was Flanegan Bainon who said: "Buying vote? Many people have lost their income, there is also no statement on how that money is to be used.
"It is suspicious, it is better to go for K-Pop which is free and more entertaining."
The petition can be signed at http://chng.it/Tj9Rq7Mg
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