KOTA KINABALU: For Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, the lion dance is a cherished tradition embraced by people of all backgrounds.
"When I think back to the old days in Tuaran, I remember cycling from our villages just to watch the lion dance in town.
"I was truly captivated by the performances—they were remarkable.
"This tradition must be preserved for future generations.
"Sabah is special.
"Regardless of the celebration, all communities participate, and people of various ethnicities join in to enliven the event," said the Sulaman assemblyman, who hails from Kampung Serusup in Tuaran.
He was speaking at the opening of the 2025 Chinese New Year Dragon, Lion, and Unicorn Dance Festival and Cultural Village Exhibition at the Sabah International Cultural Centre here.
Hajiji said the event evoked a deep emotional connection for him as chief minister.
"Interestingly, the lion dancers were not all Chinese; there were also Bumiputera performers.
"Thank you for this invitation.
"I congratulate the organisers.
"We must safeguard this tradition for the future.
"This diversity strengthens our harmony in Sabah.
"We have never questioned race or religion in our inter-ethnic relationships, and I hope this continues to be preserved."
Recently, police reports were lodged against Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming over the involvement of Muslims in a Christmas celebration on government premises.
However, Hajiji said in his speech that those coming from outside Sabah should embrace the cultural mindset of the people here.
"We live in harmony despite our differences.
"This unity in cultural diversity brings us together, and we must nurture it for future generations.
"The government will continue to respect and provide funding for the cultural development of all ethnicities.
"Sabah is made up of 30 indigenous ethnic groups, and this is what makes us unique," he said, assuring that the state government would remain fair to all.
Also present were Sabah cabinet ministers and Chinese Consul-General in Kota Kinabalu, Huang Shifang.