KOTA KINABALU – A court submission calling the Unduk Ngadau women’s cultural pageant somewhat of an “exotic cattle show” and an “auction show” has gone viral in Sabah.
The court submission is believed to by one of the lawyers of troubled politician Phillip Among, who recently claimed trial to five counts of sexual molestation.
On page two of the written submission, the lawyer stated in reference to the Unduk Ngadau pageant: “The UNK contest is not about women, it is just a contest, it doesn’t incorporate all woman [sic], whatever their talents and skills and education and abilities but it is nothing more than an exortic [sic] cattle show and almost feel like an auction show.”
It is noted that the lawyer had written the submission to the magistrate court when Among claimed trial for the sexual molestation charges.
Journalists who attended the court process told The Vibes that the lawyer had then made no mention of what was written in the submission.
However, the full text has been distributed widely via social media, especially WhatsApp and Facebook, drawing criticism from various parties including women’s groups.
Former Sabah lawmaker and state education and innovation assistant minister Jennifer Lasimbang said on Facebook: “This is absolutely disgusting.”
Shireen Sikayun, president of Pusat Sumber Adat dan Mediasi Kaum Anak Negeri Sabah (Pusaka), meanwhile has offered legal advice to those affected by the submission.
“In our multiracial community, one ought to be sensitive to the feelings of the communities.
“For a person who was born and brought up in Sabah, the statement made was outrageous, demeaning and wholly insensitive to the feelings of the indigenous people with whom he would have had frequent interactions with as a local himself,” she said.
It is understood that the Unduk Ngadau organising committee is also expected to issue a statement against the counsel submission. – The Vibes, June 12, 2021
