KOTA MARUDU: The State Government is always committed and continues to strive to honour the cultural heritage and arts of the multi-racial people in the state, said the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said the State Government supports efforts to develop and preserve the culture and arts of each ethnic group through their respective associations to ensure this valuable cultural heritage endures.
“For example, this Rungus Cultural Festival serves as a platform to showcase the culture and art of the Rungus community in this state. It includes aspects such as traditional clothing, handicrafts, and the Mongigol Sumundai dance for the younger generation, so these traditions do not disappear with time.
“Therefore, we strongly encourage the organisation of programmes like this to honour the art and culture of the Rungus ethnic group in this state.
“The State Government will continue to support associations and organizations of ethnic groups in preserving their respective cultures,” Hajiji said in conjunction with the State Rungus Cultural Festival at the Pertubuhan Rungus Bersatu Sabah (PRBS) Cultural Hall, Simpang Teringai, on Tuesday.
The text of his speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir.
The Rungus Cultural Festival has been organised by PRBS for the past seven years at Teringai Beach, Kota Marudu.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said programmes like this are also important to hold every year to foster unity among people of various races and religions in the state.
“We must remember that only stability and unity can bring a country and its people forward, earning respect from the international community.
“I congratulate PRBS, because since its establishment in 2015, this association has been active and played an important role in preserving Rungus ethnic culture,” he said.
