Kota Kinabalu: The State Government will continue to ensure unity and harmony of Sabah’s multiracial society, emphasising that no external elements should come in and poison the minds and culture of the people in the State, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the people of Sabah, comprising more than 30 ethnic groups, have lived harmoniously for a long time despite their diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds.
“What makes us special is our culture unites us. This must be nurtured for future generations.
“Therefore, I do not want elements from outside to come and influence the thinking of Sabah’s people negatively.
“We respect the culture of all ethnic groups, which is why the State Government organises major celebrations such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year at the State-level,” he said when launching the Dragon, Lion and Unicorn Dance Festival and the 2025 Cultural Village Exhibition at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here, Saturday.
He said this is the uniqueness of Sabah, where any celebration held receives tremendous support from the multiracial population.
“That is why I deeply appreciate the invitation to this event, and congratulations to the organisers, the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK), for successfully organising it.
“We must preserve such celebrations for our children, as this diversity further strengthens the harmony in Sabah.
“I remember when I was a child in Tuaran, I eagerly waited for the Chinese New Year celebrations because I looked forward to see the lion dance.
“I would travel from my village, sometimes cycling long distances, just to watch the Chinese New Year performances in Tuaran town. This is the unique charm of such celebrations,” Hajiji said.
He said the State Government will ensure all cultures and celebrations are respected, including allocating resources to the people of Sabah.
“This effort is evidence that the State Government respects all celebrations in Sabah, including Chinese New Year,” he said. The Chief Minister said he is proud of the event, which not only attracted the Chinese community but was also attended by people of various ethnicities in the State.
USCCAKK President Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen said the main event received a record participation of dragons, unicorns and lion dance up to 200 troupes coming from West and East Coast of Sabah.
She said every year they are getting more troupes to join and this year, a total of 212 took part in the festival.
“However, due to time limit, out of the 212 troupes, we manage to squeeze in 50 troupes to perform their dragon, unicorn and lion dance, which may last until 10pm.
“These troupes have been training hard to give their best performances as they started performing since noon on Saturday.
“That is why we have arranged a grand lucky draw of cash prizes to be won at 8pm so that the people stay longer and appreciate and enjoy the troupes’ dances,” she said.
She added that about 5,000 people came to see the dragons, unicorns and lion dances in the event. According to Susan, the USCCAKK has organised this annual event for more than 40 years and it has been popular and become USCCAKK “signature” cultural event.
“Our Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival event is a tell-tale sign that Chinese New Year is around the corner.
“This year’s Chinese New Year falls in January, from Jan 29 (Saturday) being the fist day of Lunar Chinese New Year,” she said. She thanked Hajiji for taking time out of his busy schedule to grace the annual CNY event.
Susan said 2025 is Year of Snake in Chinese calendar that symbolises good luck, good wealth and prosperity.
Also present were Federal Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew, Assistant Minister of Finance Datuk Tan Lee Fatt, Mayor Dato’ Sri Dr Sabin Samitah, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China at Kota Kinabalu Dr Huang Shi Fang and President of the Federation of Chinese Associations of Malaysia (Huazong) cum FCAS President Tan Sri T.C.Goh, and organising chairman of the event cum USCCAKK Deputy President Datuk Sr Chua Soon Ping.
