PENAMPANG: Culture and traditions of the different ethnic groups are very important to unite the people towards a more meaningful and progressive life, says state Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Hajiji hoped the Kaamatan or harvest celebration, which highlighted the culture and customs of the nation, would continue to be preserved, maintained, and safeguarded so that they would not fade away with time.
He said that through the Kaamatan Festival, it could help shape the identity of the Kadazan Dusun Murut and Rungus generations who have a high sense of self with values of patriotism, concern, tolerance, and mutual respect among people of different ethnic groups.
"All of these are ingredients to produce a dignified and noble society.
"Therefore, through this Kaamatan Festival, let us fully utilise the strength of the nation's traditions from all ethnic groups.
"This is so that the existing bonds of brotherhood and unity can continue to be preserved and strengthened for the future," he said this while officiating the celebration of the State-level Kaamatan Festival 2023 at Hongkod Koisaan KDCA here.
Hajiji added that the government's commitment in organising celebrations such as the Kaamatan Festival proved the government's dedication in successfully carrying out every effort that contributed to the strengthening of arts and culture in this state.
He added that the celebration would continue to have an impact in the government's efforts to strengthen relationships and the spirit of unity.
"This can also create a more harmonious life among the diverse ethnic and religious people in this state."
Hajiji also assured that the state government would continue to use a comprehensive and integrated approach in its efforts to plan and implement development for the well-being of the people.
He added that the continuous united support from the people to the state government was important to ensure that every planned development programme under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) direction could be implemented more effectively.
"As the Chief Minister, together with the State Cabinet and government administration, I pledge with full commitment to bring Sabah forward towards a holistic development in line with the aspirations and vision contained in the SMJ Direction policy."
"Alhamdulillah, with the mandate and united support of the people for the State Government, we are now on the right track to continue administering the recovery of the economy and advancing the state," he said.
Present at the event were Yang diPertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, state Kaamatan festival main organising chairman Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and cabinet ministers.