KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans should always respect peace, cultural diversity, the land and agricultural resources to continue living in harmony and prosperity, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
He said although not everyone is involved in agriculture, the sector plays an important role in ensuring local community sustainability and the state's economic stability.
"Maybe not every one of us farms, but many in our communities live with farming to sustain their lives," he said when officiating the Kapayan Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Kaamatan festival here on Monday (May 18).
Kaamatan is one of the state’s largest and most important celebrations where farmers come together to celebrate and give thanks for the bountiful harvest for the year.
"We must also appreciate our culture, unity and natural resources so that Sabah can remain a harmonious and prosperous state," Joachim added.
On the month-long Harvest Festival celebrated throughout May, he said events and celebrations such as these give the community a chance to renew mutual understanding and appreciate each other’s differences, which makes Sabah unique.
He said that with such diversity in culture, race and religion here, there are also many similarities, for example in terms of musical instruments, food, traditions and beliefs.
Joachim said Sabah's cultural abundance has great potential to boost the tourism industry.
"Kaamatan is one avenue where we can draw more visitors, and it can help foster better relations among us as well," he said.
Towards this end, he urged all Sabahans to continue preserving peace and unity while promoting each other’s celebrations to visitors outside the state.
