It is not easy to have the country's Number One leader, who is always busy with a very tight schedule, present with us in this famous KDCA hall,” he said to a thunderous applause at the 2023 State-level Kaamatan Festival closing ceremony at Dewan Hongkod Koisaan, KDCA.
PENAMPANG: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this year’s Kaamatan celebration made history of sorts when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim became the first Prime Minister to attend it.
He said the presence of the Prime Minister brought pride and excitement to the people of Sabah, especially the Kadazan Dusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) community.
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“Kaamatan is a festival that successfully elevates the cultural dignity and customs of the KDMR community in Sabah, and we are proud of it because Sabah is also known to the world for organising this Kaamatan event.
“Therefore, the people of Sabah, especially from the KDMR community, feel proud and excited about the presence of the Prime Minister today.
“This is another historic moment in the State-level Kaamatan Festival celebrations.
It is not easy to have the country's Number One leader, who is always busy with a very tight schedule, present with us in this famous KDCA hall,” he said to a thunderous applause at the 2023 State-level Kaamatan Festival closing ceremony at Dewan Hongkod Koisaan, KDCA.
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The event was graced by Head of State Tun (Dr) Juhar Mahiruddin and his consort Toh Puan (Dr) Hajah Norlidah RM Jasni.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister I-cum-Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also the 2023 State Kaamatan Festival Main Organising Committee Chairman, and KDCA President Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
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Hajiji said the State Government always provides support to cultural and social programmes because it strives to strengthen friendships, unify the people and strengthen community relations for the wellbeing and harmony of the State.
“In the context of the Kaamatan Festival, although it is celebrated by the KDMR community, it is also celebrated by people of all walks of life in Sabah.
The practice of 'kongsi raya' or cultural festivals by all races is our uniqueness in Sabah which must be maintained in line with the concept of the Malaysia Madani (civilised).
“Let us together preserve and enhance unity, tolerance and a high sense of belonging in accordance with the theme of this year's Kaamatan Festival, which is ‘Kaamatan Inculturates Unity’.
“This theme is in line with the concept of Malaysia Madani whose goal is to form a prosperous, advanced and progressive nation; the politics and economy are strong, the Government is fair and just, and the country is prosperous and happy,” he said.
He said only with stability and unity can a country and its people move forward, thus being respected by the international community.
“The unity and diversity of the ethnic community, culture and religious beliefs in Sabah are important assets that need to be preserved and defended by the people of this State at all times.
“The harmony and colourful arts and culture in Sabah make the State unique and special, in addition to having natural beauty that will definitely attract more visitors and tourists from within and outside the country.
“Therefore, the State Government will always strive to preserve and look after the cultural treasures that we have inherited, in addition to ensuring that the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, which is now on the right track, goes hand in hand between progress and modernisation with the application of values high culture.”
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