Hajiji: Ethnic heritage must not be swept by globalisation

KOTA KINABALU: The associations of the various ethnic groups in Sabah should continue to strengthen their cultures, customs and languages so that they are not swept away by rapid globalisation, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said it was also important for the cultural diversity in the state, comprising more than 30 ethnic groups and 217 sub-ethnic groups using more than 50 languages with no less than 90 dialects, to continue to be strengthened and not marginalised by modernity and technological advancement.

He added that the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and Sabah Tourism Board had also been asked to identify ethnic groups that have become or are becoming extinct in the state so that their rich culture and customs can be highlighted as historical tourism products.

“I believe there are still many more cultures in terms of multi-ethnic dance and music in the state that are not yet known.

“This is in line with the desire of the state government which wants more of its cultural heritage to be highlighted not only to the outside world but also our own people who do not yet know it,” Bernama quoted him as saying yesterday.

He said this in his speech at the opening ceremony of Sabah Ethnic Day officiated by Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, who was accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni.

Also present was Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

Hajiji said he hoped the younger generation would learn about their own cultures to enable every traditional cultural practice to be preserved.

“It is worrying when we lose our traditional cultural heritage just because there is no heir,” he added.

He said a ‘union policy’ for ethnic diversity could indirectly boost Sabah tourism to the outside world.

“With the concept of the union of ethnic diversity, it can balance the tourism sector with the intersection of cultures, customs, ethnic languages, traditional musical instruments, traditional food and ethnic clothing.

“This effort can boost the tourism sector in the state, because tourism is one of the main thrusts of the Sabah Maju Jaya Roadmap,” he said.