KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will uphold its commitment to cultural preservation and initiatives that contribute to stability and economic growth, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“Therefore, we must continue to safeguard the unity and diversity we possess.
“The state will support the promotion and execution of initiatives that protect ethnically focused programmes, ensuring our rich cultural values are passed down to future generations,” he said at the closing of the state-level Kaamatan festival on Friday (May 31).
Hajiji said the Kaamatan festival was one of the best platforms to unite the community, promote relationships, and foster tolerance and understanding among its members.
He added that unique festivals and characteristics have the potential to become valuable tourist attractions, thereby driving economic development.
In light of this, he announced that the state government, through the Sabah Cultural Board, will organise several key cultural events to ensure their sustainability.
These programmes include community development initiatives and a cultural protocol that will benefit rural tourism communities, Hajiji added.
Earlier, Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan expressed his desire for the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) to evolve with modern times, embrace new practices, and introduce fresh ideas.
He urged closer collaboration between the KDCA and the Federal Government to achieve shared objectives of unity, friendship, and economic prosperity.
Pairin also alluded to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's attendance at the festival, expressing hope for the restoration of Sabah’s entitlements, including its 40% revenue claim from Putrajaya.
Pairin also listed several other “wishes” and aspirations from the KDCA which he hoped that the PM would consider looking into.
These include lifting the ban on the book of the late Datuk Peter Mojuntin entitled "The Golden Son of the Kadazan” and a senatorship for KDCA, funding for the HS Education and Charitable Foundation and tax exemption for the foundation.
