KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan calls for unity and warns against misusing artificial intelligence (AI) as the month-long Kaamatan Festival 2025 closes.
Speaking at the grand finale held at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association’s (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang on Friday (May 31), Pairin said that the unchecked use of AI could lead to cultural erosion and even destruction.
“If misused, AI can become a force of destruction. It can distort values, misrepresent our traditions, and lead us away from our true identity as Sabahans and Malaysians,” said Pairin, who is also Huguan Siou (paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community).
The KDCA president also acknowledged the presence of Tun Musa Aman, who came for the first time in his capacity as the Tuan Yang DiPertua of Sabah.
“We are one big family, and Kaamatan is a platform that brings us together, not just to honour the harvest, but to reaffirm our identity and aspirations,” he said.
Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Pairin said that Kaamatan is a bridge that connects the people of Sabah, to their ancestors and the world.
“This is where culture meets innovation, and where we must walk carefully
“Let your imagination fly, but let it be rooted in values. We want our traditions to evolve, not disappear,” he said.
The celebration ended with a formal declaration by Tun Musa, who marked it with the beating of the gong seven times.
