‘Biggest ever convoy’ for remote Entilibon

By Luke Rintod of FMT

Mystery abounds over Jeffrey Kitingan's plan to celebrate
Malaysia Day in a remote point in Sabah.

PENAMPANG: Curiosity abounds here over maverick politician ‘s latest move to hold the ‘biggest ever’ Borneo tea party in the interior of Sabah in conjunction with Malaysia Day on Sept 16.

His United Borneo Front (UBF) has scheduled a gathering in Kampung Entilibon, Telupid, some 240 kilometres from here. Entilibon is located in a remote part of Sabah.

The last time UBF held a tea party in Entilibon was in January this year when about 250 heard Kitingan announce that he would have a “political party” by March. But his pledge of a political-party turned out to be a no-occasion.

Ever since he left PKR early this year, Kitingan has been galvanising public interest with his talks of regaining and reinstating the autonomous rights of Sabah and Sarawak.

He has been criss-crossing Sabah for many Borneo tea parties and the attendance in these events have ranged from 50 to 400 adults.

Of late the enigmatic leader has been calling on Sabah-based parties, especially the Kadazandusun-based political parties such as PBS, Upko and PBRS to consider uniting for the common good of the state which was once touted to be the richest but is now the poorest in he country.

Mystery journey

Yesterday, Kitingan told newsmen that the ‘biggest ever convoy of vehicles’ will begin the long journey to Entilibon from the ‘Malaysia oath stone’ in Keningau.

Speaking at the launching of UBF’s songwriting contest yesterday, he said: “The tea party in Entilibon will be our biggest ever tea party yet.

“It would coincide with our (Sabah) Merdeka Day or Malaysia Day on Sept 16.”

During the drive the convoy is expected to pass through Tambunan, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Kundasang and Ranau.

Kitingan’s reason for embarking this 400km journey remains a mystery, but he is confident that he will be able to garner the biggest ever crowd for his Entilibon Malaysia Day celebrations.

Patriotic song contest

Meanwhile UBF’s song-writing contest is aimed at kindling patriotism among Sabahans.

According to the contest organiser, Philip Among, the theme of the song-writing contest is ‘Cinta Sabah’ or Love Sabah and participants must ensure their contribution include the ingredients of freedom and Sabah’s heritage.

“Those interested should email their entries to contest.bhf@gmail.com

“It is open to all Sabahans and participants can send in multi-entries but must reach us by Aug 31,” he said, adding that winners would be announced on Malaysia Day.

He said the contest offers cash prizes for two categories.

Winners of the Lyrics and Melody category will walk away with RM3,000, RM1,500 and RM1,000 respectively. The category also offers nine consolation prizes of RM300 each.

The second category which is for Lyric writers offers RM1,500 to the winner. The second and third prize winners will receive RM1,000 and RM500 each while nine consolation winners will each receive RM200.