Giving their all: The Little Hong Kong National and International High Pole Lion Dance Competition taking place at the Sandakan Sports Complex.
KOTA KINABALU: The traditional lion dance has become a symbol of unity and cultural pride nationwide, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Sabah Chief Minister said the lion dance had a rich history and was deeply intertwined within the state’s cultural fabric.
He said Sabah’s east coast Sandakan, formerly known as Little Hong Kong, had long been a melting pot of cultures, where the lion dance thrived as a symbol of unity and cultural pride.
“The tradition was brought here by early Chinese settlers and has since become a cherished part of our celebrations.
“Local troupes have kept the tradition alive, passing down their skills and knowledge through generations, ensuring that the lion dance remains a vibrant and important part of our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Chief Minister said this in his speech at the Little Hong Kong National and International High Pole Lion Dance Competition at the Sandakan Sports Complex yesterday.
His speech was read by state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.
Hajiji noted that the lion dance evolved and flourished in Malaysia over the years, becoming an integral part of the nation’s cultural celebrations, especially during the Lunar New Year and other significant festivals.
“In fact, just in August this year, the Malaysia and China governments have jointly nominated the lion dance for Unesco’s cultural heritage list, a move that I’m sure will further elevate the status of this well-known ancient art form regionally and globally,” he added.
Hajiji said the presence of eight international teams from various parts of the world as well as across Malaysia added a rich tapestry of cultural diversity to the competition.
“Their participation not only highlights the global appeal of the lion dance but also underscores the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect that this competition fosters.
“It is through such gatherings that we strengthen our bonds, learn from each other and celebrate our shared cultural heritage.
“Recognising this importance, the state government had, in January this year, donated lion heads to a total of 39 lion dance associations in Sandakan, a goodwill gesture repeated in many other districts throughout Sabah,” he said.
Hajiji said Sabah government’s annual allocation for schools and non-Islamic religious bodies reflected its commitment to foster an inclusive environment where every community gets support.
He said this year’s allocation of RM56.75mil was an increase of RM2.7mil from last year’s RM54.05mil.
