TUARAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the Kaamatan Festival remains an important platform to strengthen unity, foster a sense of togetherness and bolster ties among the communities in the State.
“This festival is not only about celebrating cultural heritage. Let us all take heed from this celebration by continuing to nurture the values of togetherness, mutual respect and cooperation as one big family,” he said at the Tuaran district-level Kaamatan Festival celebration at Dewan Sri Sulaman here on Saturday.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said this year’s celebration theme, “Kaamatan: Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony”, reflects the importance of unity among Sabah’s multi-racial and multi-ethnic communities.
Drawing on the theme’s values, Hajiji said it is crucial for everyone to continue preserving unity and political stability, as these are capable of bringing progress and development to the State.
“With the formation of the new State Government for its second term last November, thebholistic development agenda based on the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya or SMJ 2.0, which is a continuation of the SMJ 1.0 policy, will serve as the guide and foundation in bringing this State to greater heights of success.
“The successful implementation of the SMJ 1.0 Development Plan gives us confidence that the Government’s administrative approach over the past five years has been on the right track.
“Therefore, the SMJ 2.0 Development Plan is a continuation that demands continuous transformation in enhancing our capabilities, encompassing changes in mindset and work culture, as well as creating new values for sustained progress and development,” he said.
The Chief Minister assured that the State Government would continue strengthening the economy by empowering key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, industry, and the digital economy, while also enhancing human capital development through improvements in education, skills, and the employability of the local workforce.
He said the Kaamatan Festival is indeed highly significant, in line with the State Government’s efforts to uphold the rich cultural and heritage of local communities in Sabah.
“The State Government always supports cultural and religious celebrations and festivities. This is because we believe programmes like these can further strengthen unity among the multi-racial communities in the State.
“That is why the Kaamatan Festival is not only an important celebration for the Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus communities, but is also celebrated by all Sabahans,” he said.
At the same time, the Chief Minister hoped that the people, regardless of race and religion, would continue to strengthen unity, respect one another, and not be easily influenced by elements that could harm the unity long enjoyed by the people.
“What is important is to continue supporting the Government so that more development can be brought to the State,” he said.-pr/BNN
