NEW BAJAU-SAMA GROUP FORMED

KOTA KINABALU: A new grouping to represent the Bajau-Sama community in Sabah, the Persatuan Masyarakat Bajau Sama Sabah (PMBSS) or Sabah Bajau Sama Community Association has been formed.

Registered recently, its President is Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hj Hajiji Hj Noor who is also State Assemblyman for Sulaman. It is expected to be launched officially soon.

On Friday, members of the Association made their first public appearance by taking part in the Merdeka Day parade here.

The 50-strong contingent was led by PMBSS Sec-Gen Suhaimi Hj Ismail and Tuaran District Chief OKK Mohd Daud Hj Sidek.

The crowd roared on seeing the unique traditional costume of the Bajau Sama on parade.

The colourful contingent won the hearts of the judges too - they were declared first runner-up in the NGO category of the Best Contingent competition. Tourists were also seen taking pictures with them after the parade.

On stage to witness their march past were State leaders led by the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Juhar Hj Mahiruddin, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Hj Aman and of course Hajiji himself. - Sabahkini