Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
PENAMPANG: The cultural celebration, including the Kaamatan Festival, organised by political parties in Sabah is a move to uplift the cultural heritage of the various races in the state, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
He said political parties had a social responsibility to together preserve the the state’s cultural treasures as they were crucial towards creating harmony and strengthening racial unity.
“Culture is something which is universal and it can be celebrated together with other races, hence, making it a platform to know and respect one another towards creating a spirit of togetherness and harmony.
“The Barisan Nasional (BN) government will continue to be committed towards preserving the cultural heritage of the various ethnics in the state,” he said when opening the Kaamatan Festival organised by the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) here Saturday. Also present was Acting Upko president Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, who is also Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Musa said the cultural celebrations of the various ethnics in Sabah were capable of not only enhancing unity among the people in the state, but also attract more tourists to the state.
“Sabah has people of various races and ethnics who can live peacefully and in harmony. This is what makes Sabah unique, apart from its natural beauty,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tangau, in his speech, said the Kaamatan Festival should be translated with feeling of gratitude for the benefits enjoyed by the people and to instil positive values among them. He also thanked the government for its recognition of the Kaamatan festival that it had become a national celebration.
“There is no reason for us (Kadazandusun Murut) to not support and feel grateful for the recognition and facilities given by the government,” he added. BNN.
