KOTA KINABALU: Sabah hopes that the Chinese zodiac year of the Fire Horse, usually associated with “change, innovation and courage and great opportunities”, will bring further social and economic progress to Sabah in 2026, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“Therefore, the spirit and energy of the Year of the Horse should be harnessed collectively to bring about greater economic development, social progress and improved well-being for the people of this state.
“The state government wishes to share this vision of hope and will move forward by continuing its development agenda to revitalise the economy,” Hajiji said when reflecting on the Chinese community's association of the qualities of the Fire Horse.
Hajii called on the people to give their strong support and become partners in realising the State Government’s development agenda.
“My aspiration as Chief Minister is to chart a development pathway for Sabah and its people. Therefore, continuous support is vital to ensure the continuity of development for the people and the state,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here Sunday (Jan 25).
His speech was delivered by the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.
He also commended the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK) for organising the 2026 Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival in conjunction with the Chinese New Year 2026 celebration.
He noted USCCAKK has consistently organised this event over recent years, making it an annual cultural celebration that is eagerly anticipated not only by the Chinese community but also by Sabah’s diverse communities, and serves as a platform to promote tolerance and mutual acceptance in building a shared future.
“That is why cultural and festive celebrations among Sabah’s communities of different religions, ethnicities and cultures form a unique identity of the state.
"In Sabah, cultural and festive celebrations of each group have become traditions. They help make unity and harmony stronger among Sabah’s many different communities," he said.
