Kota Kinabalu: The Hontog Ka'amatan 2016 organised by the Kadazan Society Sabah (KSS) at Magellan on Monday was attended by 80 Rukun Tetangga members from all over the country. It was to see for themselves why Sabah is the State that best reflects the 1Malaysia spirit.Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup hoped the visitors who are in the State for a week under the Department of Unity and National Integration, would return home with a memorable experience of how people of different races and faiths in Sabah live in harmony.
ADVERTISEMENT
Earlier in his speech, Kurup, who represented Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, quoted the latter's words: "We are one family, one Malaysia and there is nothing more heartwarming than to get the Malays, Chinese, Ibans, Kadazans to sit together and discuss in a family spirit." He said Sabahans have reason to be proud because the State is known as the best example in the country where unity is preserved despite its multi-racial and multi-religion background.
But he urged the people to be careful as there are many issues raised by certain quarters, especially through the mass media, that could cause confusion and disunity among them.He also reminded that preserving national unity is a key element for the country in its pursuit of becoming a fully developed nation by the year 2020.
ADVERTISEMENT
He urged members of the KSS to come up with inspiring ideas for the KDM community to stay united for a better future.KSS' objectives, among others, aim to preserve, maintain and uphold the dignity of the Kadazan race as an indigenous ethnic in Sabah and Kadazan as the accurate description of its name as a race, and to promote closer relationship and greater understanding and unity among the Kadazan race.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Guests were treated with cultural performances from dances and songs and a native fashion parade including a special appearance of the winner of Bintang RTM 2016, Rosario.The event also saw 10 selected Kadazan senior citizens given a tribute for their contribution to their family and community, and an award presentation to SPM 2015 top achievers. The highlight was a Magunatip and Sumazau dance that was open to all guests.