KENINGAU – The case involving “exotic cattle” and “auction show” insults hurled at the Unduk Ngadau pageant have finally been laid to rest after a sacrificial ceremony known as Upacara Sogit Batu Sumpah took place near the oath stone here today.
Lawyer Marcel Jude was fined seven buffaloes and had to issue an apology after he riled up Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) ethnic groups over the words he used to describe the pageant.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said the KDMR groups have accepted the settlement and apology that were decided by the Penampang native court last year.
He said the seven buffaloes are sent to Kota Marudu, Ranau, Keningau, Beluran, Tambunan and Penampang.
“This is done now in view of the Kaamatan which is to ensure harmony and peace to prevail, as well as strengthen the unity of all groups,” he said in a statement here today.
He reminded the community to end the culture of insulting the cultural and traditional practices of any ethnic groups as such acts are in violation of the customs and traditions of the KDMR groups.
Last year, in a court submission filed by Jude, he used derogatory terms to describe the popular Unduk Ngadau pageant.
The submission was made in defence to Jude’s client politician Philip Among, who has claimed trial to five counts of sexual molestation. Among’s case is ongoing. – The Vibes, May 2, 2022
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