40 lion heads from State Govt for 40 associations

Kota Kinabalu: A total of 40 lion heads are to be handed over to various associations Statewide by the State Government in conjunction with the coming Chinese New Year celebrations.Special Tasks Minister cum Liberal Democratic Party President Datuk Teo Chee Kang said the State Government had set aside RM100,000 for this purpose and the lion heads given away on Thursday to associations in the West Coast area were the first in a series of presentations to associations in the State.

He said to reporters after the handing over ceremony of 18 lion heads to several associations in the West Coast area at the ground floor meeting room of Wisma Innoprise, here.

"We understand that some of the troupes this year require unicorn heads instead of lion heads so we also allow some flexibility where if they want unicorn heads, then we will make the arrangement to swap it to unicorn heads."

Teo also took the opportunity to thank Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman for allocating the RM100,000 grant despite the fact that the State revenue has reduced due to the drop in world oil prices.

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"This shows the Government's commitment in promoting and supporting pluralism in the State.

"In Malaysia and especially Sabah these lion dances are liked by all races regardless of religion.

In fact, we noticed for a lot of the lion, dragon and unicorn troupes, there are a lot of our Bumiputera friends (involved) and some are even very innovative in that they have incorporated local culture into the lion dance performance."

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Commenting that the lion dance culture had become part of Malaysia's culture, Teo said it was his hope that the association recipients will make good use of the lion heads given to them.

"At same time when they send their troupes out for the Chinese New Year period, my advice to them is to ensure they comply with the relevant requirements from authorities such as permits and also ensure the safety of all troupe members as they go from one place to another and during their performance."

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