PENAMPANG: The annual Kaamatan festival is an effective tool for strengthening unity among the people and a perfect vehicle for promoting the 1Malaysia concept, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.
Speaking at the official closing of the state-level Kaamatan Festival at Hongkod Koisaan here, Musa said the participation of the various ethnic groups in celebrating the Harvest Festival not only helps to preserve the rich tradition of the Kadazan Murut Dusun (KDM) but also promotes inter-racial understanding and appreciation of each other’s unique culture.
“Indeed this festival has successfully strengthened the relations of the different ethnic groups in our culturally diverse community. This has made Sabah a model state that truly practises the 1Malaysia concept,” he said.
Despite the festival coming to its end, he believed Sabahans would continue to show the strong understanding and unity they display during the celebration.
The festival this year, themed ‘Cultural Understanding: The Way Forward’, was officially closed yesterday by Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.
“The Kaamatan Festival celebration is not only to show joy and gratitude for a bountiful harvest, but also to appreciate the sacrifice made by legendary Huminodun to save her people.
“This legend offers us a lesson and motivates us to work closer together towards improving the socio-economy of Sabah,” he said.
In addition, he said the festival which highlighted the uniqueness of the KDM culture had also helped in promoting the state as an attractive tourism destination.
Also present was Deputy Chief Minister cum state-level Harvest Festival Celebration Committee chairman Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, and other cabinet ministers.