TUARAN: The State Government always supports any NGO that organises activities aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of the various ethnic groups in Sabah, as long as they do not overlap with similar government-organised programmes.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said that the organisation of arts and cultural programmes, such as the Rumpun Bajausamah Cultural Festival, can elevate the state’s cultural treasures to a higher level, thereby enhancing the state’s image at the global stage.
Such programmes also strengthened the bonds of unity among the local community, regardless of race or religion, he said at the opening of the Rumpun Bajausamah Cultural Festival at the Rumpun Bajausamah Cultural Centre at Lok Batik here today.
The event was graced by Head of State, Tun Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.
“In line with the festival’s theme ‘Budaya Tradisi Teras Perpaduan Malaysia Madani’, it becomes the responsibility of the Rumpun Bajausamah Association to uphold the unityagenda as a central cause.
This is because the goal of elevating our cultural heritage is to create harmony and preserve unity.
“For generations, and centuries, the people of this state have practised a way of life grounded in mutual respect, cooperation, and helping one another regardless of skin colour or religious belief,” he said.
Hajiji said the spirit of togetherness and mutual tolerance among the people of this state has shaped Sabah society into one with a unique yet captivating identity.
“With 35 ethnic groups and 217 sub-ethnic groups present within the Sabah community, our society is indeed diverse and truly plural in the Malaysian context.
“Even so, the people of Sabah continue to live in harmony with a strong sense of unity, in line with the slogan ‘Unity in Diversity’,” he said.
The Chief Minister said there are great benefits and wisdom in living harmoniously and in unity, whether it is unity within families, organisations, associations, communities, or the nation.
“Only through unity can we become strong, respected, and admired. If we are divided and disunited, we will become weak and easily dominated by others who wish to control or colonise us.
Indeed, unity and strength are the keys to our success and progress,” he said.
In the context of the Rumpun Bajausamah Association, he said it also aspires to be like other cultural or ethnic associations that serve as custodians and preservers of their people’s traditional customs, ultimately nurturing the unity spirit among the rakyat.
“If this noble movement is sustained and further strengthened, God willing, we can develop Sabah not only in terms of physical development but also as a state rich in its community cultural and traditional values,” he said.
Hajiji believed that through festivals such as this, with a variety of carefully curated events, including traditional dance competitions like Limbai and Runsai, the Bintang Soromas (singing) competition, and the Betitik competition, new talents in each respective field can be unearthed while preserving cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, highlight events like the Ratu Serimpak (traditional beauty pageant) competition not only serve as a major attraction of the festival, but also showcase the quality of weaving arts and the ethnic Bajau motifs displayed in the garments worn by the participants.
Hajiji also paid tribute to Tun Musa for his support to the formation of the Rumpun Bajausamah Association 12 year ago and in the development of the Rumpun Bajausamah Cultural Centre in Lok Batik beginning in 2017 during his tenure as Chief Minister of Sabah.-pr/BNN
