Kota Kinabalu (May 18) - A statement by Sabahan singer Esther Applunius has reignited public discussion over the management and judging system of the annual Sugandoi singing competition held during the Kaamatan celebration season.
Esther, who is known in Sabah’s local entertainment scene for winning several singing competitions over the years, shared her views through a Facebook post that has since drawn attention among local arts followers and cultural supporters.
In her statement, she questioned the consistency of the competition’s judging structure, arguing that repeated concerns from the public should not be ignored year after year.
She said that when the same judges and selection methods continue to be used annually, it is unsurprising that competition results are repeatedly questioned by audiences and participants alike. According to her, Esther Applunius
Her remarks also touched on broader concerns within Sabah’s creative industry, particularly the perceived resistance towards reform despite continuous public discussions about preserving culture and heritage.
Esther argued that while cultural preservation is often highlighted on stage during Kaamatan celebrations, meaningful changes behind the scenes appear slow to materialise. She described this as one of the frustrations faced by many arts practitioners in Sabah.
She further stressed that singing competitions should not become platforms controlled indefinitely by the same individuals, warning that long-term dominance within any artistic system could eventually limit creativity and reduce opportunities for emerging talents.
According to her statement, a lack of renewal within the competition structure risks making it harder for younger singers and performers to grow within Sabah’s cultural entertainment scene.
Sugandoi remains one of the most recognised traditional singing competitions associated with the Kaamatan festival, showcasing Kadazandusun musical heritage and local vocal talent from districts across Sabah each year. The competition has long been viewed as an important platform for preserving indigenous language songs and promoting cultural identity among younger generations.
However, discussions surrounding judging transparency, talent development, and modernisation of the competition format have surfaced online in previous years, especially among supporters calling for fresh approaches to maintain public confidence and keep the event relevant to younger audiences.
Esther ended her statement by saying that Sugandoi needs a “revolution” rather than becoming an annual repeat of the same formula, a remark that has since sparked debate among Sabahans involved in the local music and cultural scene.