Hajiji (middle) and other VIPs beating the drum to symbolise the launching of the Tuaran 2024 Dragon, Unicorns and Lions Dance Festival.
KOTA KINABALU: Unity and harmony among Sabahans are the keys behind the prosperity and well-being in the state, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Chief Minister said people of various races and backgrounds had high respect for each other and celebrated festivities and cultures together.
For example, he said, Chinese New Year was welcomed by other races and not only celebrated by the Chinese community.
"This is unique in Sabah because people of different cultures and ethnic groups can celebrate a festival harmoniously," he said when launching the Tuaran 2024 Dragon, Unicorns and Lions Dance Festival in Tuaran district on Sunday (Jan 21).
"This harmony and understanding have been inherited from our ancestors and it must be protected by the younger generation," Hajiji added.
The Chief Minister said the diversity in Sabah has also enabled the people in the state to co-exist peacefully among each other.
"We in Sabah can be an example to other states in Malaysia on matters of understanding and unity among the people of multiracial and multicultural diversities," he said.
He added the state government through its Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) direction was committed towards developing Sabah and its people without looking at their race or religion.
Hajiji said the state government through the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry would organise the Chinese New Year celebrations this year to enliven the festivity.
Also present at the event in Tuaran were Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya, Tuaran Lions Club president Frankie Goh and other local leaders.
