(Left to right): Elizabeth Johnny (Darvel Bay Plaza executive), Hajija Majid, Hjh Mahani (Silam Umno Wanita deputy chief), Mizma Appehdullah (Silam Umno Wanita chief), Peter, Afidah Hj Kiliban, Rosmiati S, Hjh Alina Hj Usman and Husin @ Ayub Osman (Darvel Bay Plaza representative).
KOTA KINABALU: With only two days to go before the start of the Sabah Idol Season 2 Grand Final, Wanita Umno Lahad Datu is working hand in hand with the organizer, Borneo Events Production (BEP), to ensure that the event will run smoothly.
Its chief, Mizma Appehdullah, said they would make the Sabah Idol Grand Final one of the best and biggest events Lahad Datu has ever seen.
“Security, crowd control and seating arrangement are our biggest priority and we are confident the police, the district council and the management of Darvel Bay Plaza will carry out their duties efficiently. Like what Dato Yusof Apdal, the Lahad Datu assemblyman, has publicly stated, we have to restore that vibrant image of Lahad Datu as a safe and conducive town not just for its inhabitants but also to tourists and investors. Lahad Datu needs big entertainment shows like Sabah Idol as a platform to neutralize the bad publicity it has received lately and we are grateful that the organizer, Peter Dicky Lee, has deemed it fit to organize and shift the venue to Lahad Datu this year,” Mizma said.
The popular reality series now in its second year is expected to attract 10,000 spectators.
“When we did the Lahad Datu Selection last month, I have never anticipated the huge turnout and what I saw actually was the key or rather the factor that convinced me to say yes, this is it Lahad Datu has been hitting the headlines of late but for all the wrong reasons. Hopefull, in a small way, this event will change the perception of the people’s mind about Lahad Datu,” said Peter.
Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Min has agreed to grace the occasion.
Indonesian consul Pak Johan Mulyadi has also been invited in view of the forthcoming Borneo Idol encompassing Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan to be organized by BEP next year.
ATI College has made it extra special this year by offering the winner of Sabah Idol a diploma scholarship worth RM25,000.
Datuk Sri Panglima Wong Ken Thau, the CEO of the ATI College, is expected to present the scholarship to the winner.
The National Anti-Drug Agency has also partnered with the Sabah Idol series to spread its anti-drugs slogan during the Sabah Idol roadshows throughout the state.
“The Sabah Idol series is the best platform to reach the masses to educate them about the dangers of drug abuse and to stay away from unhealthy activities,” said Bakri Bin Bibi, the Sabah Anti Drug Agency director.
“During the Grand Final, we will display all the various kinds of drugs and instruments that are used by drug addicts,” he said.
The winner of the Grand Final will bring home a total of RM30,000 worth of prizes, including RM5,000 cash, RM25,000 scholarship sponsored by ATI College, a trophy and certificate.
The first runner-up will get RM3,000 cash, a trophy and certificate while the second runner-up will receive RM1,500 cash, a trophy and certificate. Fourth prize winner gets RM1,000 cash, a trophy and a certificate.
Subsidiary titles Best Showmanship, Best Costume, Most Popular, Most Creative and Most Promising all carry a cash prize of RM500, a trophy and a certificate.