KOTA KINABALU: The participation of the various races in celebrating Chinese New Year is a clear indication of the strong ties and understanding among the people in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.
“I am thankful, happy and proud that at every Chinese New Year open house organised by various parties, I have observed that it was not only attended by the Chinese community but also by all races who came to celebrate the occassion in the spirit of unity and friendship with their friends.
“In fact I have noticed that those from the other races also took part in performances, including the lion and dragon dances at these open houses.
“This is what make us unique – unity in diversity – truly reflecting the 1Malaysia spirit,” he said in a speech at Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association (KKJA) Chinese New Year celebration here, yesterday.
He added that this was a positive sign that the people continue to stand firm in togetherness despite their differences in supporting the government to carry out the development agendas.
The text of his speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Peter Pang En Yin who officiated at the event on his behalf.
The Chief Minister also said, the media in Sabah has continued to play an important role to connect the government and the people, especially in conveying the development messages from the government to the community.
“The media has also been responsible to instill and promote an awareness among the people on the importance of supporting the implementation of the government’s development programmes.
“Media reports also provide the government with useful inputs that emanate from the ground, which are very important in assisting the government to make the necessary adjustment or improvement to ensure its programmes would optimally benefit the people,” he said.
Commending KKJA for its active contribution in assisting the state government to better administer the state, Musa said it hoped the close relation between the media and the government will continue to be strengthened.
Meanwhile, KKJA president Chong Kiew Vui in his welcoming address said the association will officially incorporate the Chinese New Year open house as its annual programme.