KOTA KINABALU: A medley of patriotic and unity based songs and colourful dances set the tone for the Malaysia Day celebration at the Likas Sports Complex here on Friday.
The singers, accompanied by dancers in traditional costumes, wowed the thousands of people including Yang DiPertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and Sabah ministers at the state-level celebration.
It took on a colourful air with Juhar and his wife Toh Puan Norlidah R.M Jasni joining the crowd in waving mini Jalur Gemilang and Sabah flags amid the performances.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said in his speech that that they should continue fostering unity among themselves and live as one big family for a better future.
“The government will continue to fight for Sabah’s rights in our own way,” he said in his speech read out by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin.
“We need support from all to ensure we can improve their lot and bring development for the people,” he said.
Musa said the voices of Sabahans and their rights would be heard and given priority with the close relations with the Federal government.
He also said that Sabah had come a long way and seen much development since the formation of Malaysia.
“We have seen the poverty rate decrease while the number of locals getting higher edu-cation has increased,” he said.
“More Sabahans are holding important positions in government departments and we can do better if we continue living harmoniously,” Musa added.
Meanwhile, the national-level Malaysia Day celebration was held in Bintulu, Sarawak.
A ceremony to mark the founding of the nation was held at the historical oath stone near the Keningau district council office as part of the celebration.
Among those who attended was Bingkor state assemblyman Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
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