PENAMPANG: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor stressed that strong unity and togetherness are the core pillars for collective progress and for ensuring Sabah’s development sustainability in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Roadmap.
He said this is in keeping with the State Government’s unwavering commitment to intensify efforts to ensure the continued rapid development of the state and the well- being of its people.
“Various initiatives are being and will continue to be implemented, including strengthening the state economy through the agenda outlined under the Sabah SMJ 2.0 Roadmap. These efforts include creating more employment opportunities, increasing productivity in the agricultural sector, empowering human capital, enhancing the well- being of the people in both rural and urban areas, and advancing the tourism sector through culture.
“In achieving these goals, the government certainly requires the support and unity of all segments of society in the state to continue working together in developing Sabah,” he said at the closing of the 2026 State-Level Kaamatan Festival at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall at the KDCA, on Sunday.
The Chief Minister called on the people to remain united and work hand in hand in facing whatever challenges may arise, in line with this year’s celebration theme, “Kaamatan: Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony.”
“This theme is highly significant in the context of the current environment and challenges we are facing. Economic uncertainties, rising cost of living pressures and various other challenges require us to remain united and work together in overcoming any obstacle,” he said.
On the festival, he said that the Kaamatan Festival is not merely a cultural celebration, but also an important platform to preserve ethnic traditions from extinction, foster tolerance and strengthen political stability and state development.
“The Kaamatan Festival also reminds us that every successful harvest requires hard work, dedication and effective cooperation. Sabah’s prosperous future will not be built on rhetoric alone, but through hard work, unity, harmony and sincerity among all levels of society.
“May Sabah continue to move forward as a peaceful, prosperous, progressive and respected state, founded upon its unique cultural values and strengthened by the unwavering support of its people,” he said.
He also expressed pride in the attendance of people from all walks of life and various ethnic communities, as well as presidents of ethnic associations and organisations from throughout Sabah.
“The presence of all of us today is a testament to the strong unity of Sabah’s society. We also extend our appreciation to all tourists who have come to join in this celebration. This festival is a manifestation of gratitude for a bountiful rice harvest and a symbol of strong racial unity,” he said.
The Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman officiated the closing ceremony of the 2026 State-Level Kaamatan Festival.
Present were the wife of the Chief Minister, Datin Seri Panglima Datuk Hajah Juliah Salag, Deputy Chief Minister I and Minister of Works and Utilities, who is also Chairman of the Main Organising Committee for the 2026 State-Level Kaamatan Festival, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Huguan Siou, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and President of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) and State Secretary, Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong.-pr/BNN
