Kalimaran festival celebrates Murut heritage, strengthens community ties

THE Kalimaran festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Sabah's Murut community while strengthening ties with other ethnic groups.

Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang said the festival traces its roots to Injawari or Panawari, a traditional Murut gathering held during British colonial rule.

He said the celebration was renamed Kalimaran to reflect values such as diligence, competitiveness and unity.

"The festival's long history reflects the deep roots of Murut cultural heritage, which must be preserved as a source of identity and pride for the community," he said at the 20th Kalimaran festival in Kemabong near here recently.

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Rubin, who is also Kemabong assemblyman and Sabah Murut Association president, said the festival showcased Murut customs, arts and traditional crafts while ensuring they were passed down to future generations.

The Lundayeh community has also been involved in organising the festival since last year.

This year's theme, "Migogondo Jumalai Sumingkot", meaning "United in Progress and Development", highlights the importance of cooperation in building a united, progressive and competitive society.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor called on younger generations to preserve their cultural heritage and draw inspiration from Murut warrior Ontoros Endoi, or better known as Antanom, whose courage and determination were central to the community's history.

In his speech read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, Hajiji said Antanom's legacy was not just about the courage to fight, but also about dignity, self-respect, leadership, loyalty to one's homeland and love for the community.

"I want Antanom to continue inspiring Sabah's younger generation to appreciate their homeland, uphold unity, face challenges with courage, acquire knowledge and skills, develop a strong sense of identity and contribute to the state and nation," he added.