KOTA KINABALU, Aug 28 — In true Sabahan style, the committee of the Sabah Bersih 4 rally here organised a traditional Kadazan ritual to seek permission from the spirits that guard the way and to protect them from harm.

Called the mamason ritual, a bobohizan, or Kadazandusun high priest Adam Gontusan conducted the simple ritual to get permission from the sunduvan, or local spirits, along their journey to keep them safe and strong.

Bersih committee member Adrian Banie Lasimbang said that they conducted the ritual to seek protection, and to guard against evil spirits and intentions like their ancestors did before setting out on a journey or go to war.

“The ritual was conducted by our forefathers. It is basically to notify, and seek permission from the local spirits along the way — in the trees, rocks, water — that we are coming. We do not mean to cause offense, and we will respect the path we are on,” he said.

The 20-minute ritual involved some 20 people, mostly volunteers of the Bersih 4 rally in Kota Kinabalu, including its chairman Jannie Lasimbang, at the Pacos Trust office in Dongggongon.

The ritual began with the bobohizan talking to the komburongo or a talisman where their familiar spirit resides, in order for them to tell other spirits and pass the message of their journey.

The bobohizan then uses a bokis, a bouquet of seven types of plants each with own meaning and uses it to bless everyone in the vicinity for spiritual and physical strength during the rally.

It also blessed several items that were placed in the centre including yellow T-shirts, handphones, local beads, keys and other items of importance.

The session ended with the beating of six gongs, and a mamangkis or local war cry.

The Bersih rally in Sabah tomorrow is planned to take place over 24 hours along the Tanjung Lipat stretch in the city despite not receiving the green light from police. Organisers have declared five meeting spots and a simultaneous walk towards the Likas Bay Park II.

They plan to start activities from 3pm to 9pm, with some overnight provisions. A 6km “walk for democracy” beginning at 9am on August 30 is the highlight of the event.

Police have declared the gathering illegal and warned the public not to attend, threatening action against those who did.

The Sabah Law Association had said that there was no provisions within the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 to declare it illegal, but that it was subject to limitations and restrictions.