KOTA KINABALU: There should be no discrimination against the Bajau Laut or sea gypsy community, said Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said the community are regarded as "citizens of the world."
"They are the citizens of the world, they can be anywhere. If they happen to be in Semporna, we must not discriminate against them, they have the right to be there as they have been around for years.
"It is important for us to recognise that's how they are. But of course, we cannot say that just because we have sea gypsies in Semporna, we should not do anything in terms of promoting their culture, tradition and the way of their life.
"They are stateless and we see them as the citizens of the world," he told the reporters during a press conference on Regatta Lepa at a hotel here today.
When asked whether the government would grant citizenship to the sea gypsies, Joniston said that it would be up to the relevant authorities to decide.
However, he said that the nomad communities would not necessarily remain in one place for a long time.
"They could be in Semporna today and in the Philippines tomorrow."
The Bajau Laut, commonly known as sea gypsies due to their nomadic, seafaring lifestyle, are found in various islands off Semporna such as Mabul, Denawan, Umadal, Boheyan Laut, Kulapuan, Mantabuan, Tatagan, Maiga, Sibuan and Timbun Mata.
Earlier, Joniston said the 29th Regatta Lepa will run from Nov 23 to 24.
Themed "Regatta Lepa: A Symbol of Civil Society Unity.", the event will feature various exciting programmes, including the opening ceremony, "Sangom Maglami-lami," the Sea Sports Finals, a parade of traditional and decorated Lepa boats, as well as the closing ceremony of Regatta Lepa Semporna for the 28th Edition 2023, among others.
Regatta Lepa is an annual event held in Semporna to celebrate the rich customs and culture of the Bajau ethnic group.
The event attracts thousands of tourists from within and outside the country, providing a significant platform to showcase the unique heritage of the Bajau Laut community.
The primary objective of Regatta Lepa is to preserve the Bajau traditions and cultural heritage, including maintaining the traditional Lepa boat-making skills passed down through generations.