Sabah govt will always support cultural and religious celebrations

 By Olivia Miwil - May 1, 2023 @ 12:41pm

TUARAN: Sabah government will always support cultural and religious celebrations and programmes, said state Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

"We believe that cultural programmes can strengthen the unity of the diverse communities and provide opportunities for us to understand and appreciate the customs and cultures of each ethnic group.

"The diversity of culture and heritage, with the harmony of 35 ethnicities and 217 sub-ethnicities in Sabah, has made 'Negeri Di Bawah Bayu' a unique land for every citizen and guest who visits this state.

"Therefore, this is significant with the government's efforts to elevate the cultural heritage and art of local people.

Culture is an important aspect of our lives that represents the identity of a particular ethnic group and must be preserved and elevated for the benefit of all," he said at the launch of the Sabah State Kaamatan Festival at the Seri Sulaman Hall here.

His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister I and State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industries Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan.

Hajiji added that the cultural events such as the Kaamatan Festival could serve as a platform for fostering unity among the diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural communities in this state.

Moreover, he said, the Kaamatan Festival was an opportunity for the Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus communities to showcase their traditional customs and traditions, whether through dance, music, or traditional attire.

He also added that the festival not only aimed at expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest but also provided an opportunity for family members to gather and strengthen relationships and unity.

"The spirit of brotherhood, friendship, and unity that has been a part of our lives will continue to be strengthened in line with the spirit of Malaysia Madani.

"I hope that the spirit of the Kaamatan Festival celebration will continue to be cherished for the stability, security, friendship, and prosperity of the state and its people as a whole," he said.