PAJAK Family Day Fosters Unity and Strengthens Bonds

Stanis (middle) during the cake-cutting ceremony together with representatives from the PAJAK lineage and members of the event organising committee.

28 December 2024

TENOM: The ‘Papag Ri Aki Jamangki am Aru Kambiton’ (PAJAK) Family Day was celebrated with enthusiasm today at the Murut Cultural Centre in Tenom. This event, now a tradition, brings together family members from five generations to strengthen their ties and foster a sense of belonging.

PAJAK Chairperson, Stanis Buandi, who also serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the Sabah State Cultural Board, highlighted the significance of the gathering, emphasizing its role in reinforcing kinship bonds within the extended family.

"This event is more than just a reunion; it’s about creating lasting connections and ensuring that our shared heritage continues to thrive," he said.

A variety of engaging activities were organised throughout the day, including musical performances, sports competitions, and gift exchange. These activities provided an opportunity for family members to bond, have fun, and celebrate their shared history.

Stanis also expressed his hope that future generations of the PAJAK family would continue to make meaningful contributions to the community.

“I encourage more members of our family to step forward and take on leadership roles in government and other fields, so we can give back to the community that has supported us," he said. As a member of the Supreme Council of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), he extended his gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the event.

Approximately 200 family members attended the celebration, which proceeded smoothly and with great harmony. "I hope we can avoid any divisions within our family, and instead, work together towards consensus and unity," Stanis remarked.

"Most importantly, we must cherish our relationships and remember the values instilled by our elders, who are no longer with us."

This year’s Family Day marks the second such gathering since the inaugural event in 2020, which was held at the Beringgis Beach Resort and Spa in Papar. The PAJAK Family Day is part of a broader legacy stemming from the lineage of Aki Singgon, who first organized a family gathering in 2017. The event continues to serve as a unifying force for the family, ensuring that the bonds of kinship remain strong across generations.