SEMPORNA, May 28 -- Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said he attended the Keningau District-level Kaamatan Festival 2026 opening ceremony as a sign of respect for the culture of the multi-ethnic community in the State.

He said he attended upon an invitation from an old friend, Star Sabah President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, and it should not be interpreted outside of the actual context.

He said invitations to attend cultural events and celebrations like Kaamatan Festival are normal in a plural Sabah, which for a long time has lived in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

"Is it wrong for us to be present in the cultural event of another community as a sign of respect for their tradition?" he said when met after officiati...