KOTA KINABALU: Going overboard with food and booze during festivals has never been part of their culture, says Sabah Native Affairs Council president Dr Benedict Topin (pic).
He said as unique as Sabah’s culture and traditions were, there was never a time when getting drunk and causing trouble or saying the wrong thing was allowed.
“In Sabah, yes, consuming alcohol is part of our culture. It is a traditional bond that promotes socialising, harmonising and celebrations. But the most important point is to never go overboard.
“Sometimes, even children are allowed to take small sips or a dab of tapai (fermented rice),” he said following queries on Sabahan drinking culture and why youngsters were allowed to consume alcohol in many parts of the state.
Topin said the tradition was never meant to result in intoxication, and any wrongdoing would result in the offender being issued the sogit (penalised according to local customs).
“Today, there have been many misinterpretations of the true meaning behind Sabah’s culture when it comes to drinking alcoholic beverages. People need to really understand their own culture and act according to what it really means,” he said.
On his role as the council president, Topin said he would work with non-governmental organisations such as the Sabah Customary Practitioners’ Association and the Bobolians Association to hold classes on customs for the public.
“I also hope to see a special syllabus on Sabah’s customs and other cultures taught in Universiti Malaysia Sabah,” he added.
Topin said nowadays, people appeared to have strayed from the true customs of their own ethnic groups, villages and districts.
“It is supposed to be something beautiful. We have the responsibility to ensure that we get back on track,” he said.
