KOTA KINABALU: Pesta Kaamatan, which is extensively celebrated all through the state of Sabah, is symbolic of the concord and unity amongst its individuals, says the Chief Minister.
Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stated the harvest competition is proof that the spirit of unity among the many individuals may be very a lot intact.
“I believe the spirit of unity shown through this festival will always be preserved and be an example to spur further development and progress in Sabah.
“This festival can definitely unite all the people of various races, religions and cultural backgrounds in the state.
“I hope such unity will be maintained and protected by Sabahans in time to come,” he stated on the closing ceremony of the month-long Pesta Kaamatan on the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) corridor in Penampang close to right here on Tuesday (May 31).
Hajiji additionally expressed his delight at lastly having the chance to fulfill and rejoice Kaamatan with the individuals because the occasion was solely restricted to digital celebrations in the previous two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He additionally hoped the Kaamatan competition, which is themed Kaamatan Menjiwai Alam Semula Jadi (Kaamatan Ensouls Nature) this yr, will likely be enhanced to characterize the success of integration and understanding between the plethora of races in Sabah.
“Sabah is unique because of its harmony and colourful culture, besides being blessed with a beautiful natural environment which can attract more domestic and foreign visitors,” he stated.
Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin officiated on the closing which was additionally attended by his spouse Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, the Chief Minister’s spouse Datin Seri Juliah Salag, and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who can also be chairman of the state-level Pesta Kaamatan important organising committee.
Meanwhile, Hajiji stated the state authorities has allotted some RM9.5mil to the Sabah Cultural Board and a additional RM400,000 to cultural associations underneath the state’s Budget 2022 for the implementation of numerous cultural, arts and linguistic actions.
He stated that is an effort to make sure that the traditions and customs of the varied ethnic teams in Sabah, that are a precious asset to the tourism sector, will likely be preserved and made a legacy for generations to come back.
“A Sabah Cultural Development plan will be enacted to elevate the priceless Sabahan heritage to a higher level,” he stated.
The Chief Minister stated the methods included a digitalisation drive to enhance information entry to issues regarding tradition, ethnic teams and state heritage via the event of the Cultural Mapping and e-Heritage programmes.
“At the same time, the Sabah government will continue to ensure the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan will be realised and the fruits will be enjoyed by Sabahans.
“As such, I urge the people to always assist the government to achieve every initiative under the SMJ,” Hajiji stated.
