Pairin Wants Sabahans To Encultrate 'Mitatabang' Spirit

TAMBUNAN, April 19 (Bernama) -- Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan wants the people of Sabah to encultrate the spirit of 'mitatabang' or cooperation to enhance solidarity among the various ethnic groups in the state.

Pairin, who is also president of the Sabah Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), said such a spirit, which had long been practised at every Pesta Kaamatan, had contributed to racial unity which had been key to progress and peace.

"The 'mitatabang' spirit is still strong among the community and it should be preserved. In the past, the 'mitatabang' spirit could be seen in preparing food for the Pesta Kaamatan where each family brought their own food to be consumed together.

"Now, the spirit is apparent from the cooperation and support in various forms including manpower and cash to celebrate the Pesta Kaamatan," he said.

Pairin, who is also Huguan Siou or paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community, said this when launching the Pesta Kaamatan at the Mukim Lintuhun level jointly organised by 15 villages at the Kampung Pomotodon community hall, near here.

He said the Sabah government gave strong recognition to the Pesta Kaamatan by declaring two days, that is, May 30 and 31 each year as holidays to enable the people in the state to celebrate the event.