Taking Sabah’s heritage to next level
Published on: Monday, June 06, 2022
Juhar (third left) pouring paddy into a tangkob (paddy storage area), while Hajiji (third right) and the KDCA Supreme Council members look on.
A SABAH Cultural Development Plan will be formulated to take the precious heritage of the State to a higher level, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.He said among the strategies is a digitalisation programme to strengthen data coverage and access related to the State’s culture, ethnicity and heritage through the development of Cultural Mapping and e-Heritage.
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“In the meantime, the State Government will always strive to ensure that the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan can be realised and enjoyed by all Sabahans.
“In this regard, I urge all Sabahans regardless of their respective backgrounds to always be united in supporting the Government in making every SMJ initiative a success for the development and progress of the State,” he said when closing the State-level Kaamatan Festival at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan, Penampang.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin graced the closing ceremony. His consort Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni and Hajiji’s wife Datin Seri Hajah Juliah Salag as well as Deputy Chief Minister cum Agriculture and Fisheries Minister who is also the 2022 State Kaamatan Festival Main Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, were present.
The Chief Minister said the State Government had allocated RM9.5 million in the Sabah 2022 Budget to Sabah Cultural Board and RM400,000 to cultural associations to carry out cultural, arts and language activities.
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Hajiji said the effort is to ensure the richness of cultural traditions and ethnic diversity, which is a unique feature and assets of the tourism sector, would continue to be preserved for future generations.
He was also happy for the opportunity to go down to the ground and meet the people during the Kaamatan after it could only be held virtually before due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The lively celebrations throughout the state clearly prove that the spirit of unity among the people, especially in the state, is always strong and preserved, he said.
“I believe the symbolic spirit of unity shown during this festival will continue to be embedded and used as an example to drive the development and progress of the State.
“This festival is indeed able to unite all people regardless of race, religion and culture. I hope the people will continue to preserve and defend this unity at all times,” he said, adding he hoped the Festival themed “Kaamatan Menjiwai Alam Semula Jadi” would continue as a landmark of success of unity, understanding and glory of the people of various races in Sabah.
“The harmony and colourful arts and culture makes Sabah unique and special, in addition to having beautiful nature that is able to attract more tourists from within and outside the country,” he said.
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