PETALING JAYA: Focusing on similarities will build a strong and united nation, Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said in his latest message of unity in conjunction with Friday’s Chinese New Year celebration.
In several video clips posted on his Facebook page, Salleh, who is Usukan state assemblyman, said showing care and respect for other religions was the key to a harmonious society.
After the Christmas celebration in December, Salleh said residents of the Kota Belud district who came from different religious backgrounds are gathering again on Saturday (Feb 10) for the Chinese New Year celebration.
"We come from different religious and cultural backgrounds. We respect the cultural celebration of each race. Last time it was Christmas and this time it is Chinese New Year.
"Respecting the culture of others is important in creating a tolerant and harmonious society. After this, we have Hari Raya and the Harvest Festival.
"This is the uniqueness of Sabah, particularly Kota Belud, where we celebrate our similarities because we want to build a strong and united society for the sake of a better future," he said in the video.
In another video, Salleh could be seen learning about the traditional lion dance, its music and the meaning of each drum beat from the locals.
The former Sabah chief minister also gave a shot at dancing using the lion costume after spending some time rehearsing his steps.
In a different video, Salleh also spent some time with the locals where he tried tossing the colourful Yee Sang.
On Dec 25 last year, Salleh shared messages of unity during the Christmas celebration where he met the residents of Kota Belud and joined them for Christmas carolling.
