Celebrating each other's festivals promotes unity, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: The act of celebrating together during festivities that goes beyond race and religion is a unique trait in Sabah that has to be preserved, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said this togetherness which sees people of all races and religions celebrate each other’s festivals are in line with the Malaysian Family concept.

"These practices must be protected, preserved and passed on for generations for the unity, peace and harmony in Sabah," he said.

Hajiji said this when officiating at the Moon Cake Festival 2022 at the Padang Merdeka here, Saturday (Sept 10).

He said although the Moon Cake or Mid-Autumn festival is celebrated by the Chinese, other races also come together to make the event merrier.

"The same goes to Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali and others," he said.

Hajiji’s speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

On that note, he said the state government would continue to support and assist in the cultural celebrations of the various ethnic groups in Sabah.

"We live in a multi-racial and multi-cultural society. Practices that bring us together as one must be preserved," he said.

Hajiji also called on all Sabahans to practise tolerance, mutual respect and understanding towards each other.

With Malaysia Day to be celebrated soon on Sept 16, the Chief Minister once again stressed the need to instil a sense of pride and patriotism towards this nation.