Pairin (centre) with Masiung (left) and Robert (right) harvesting paddy to mark the launching of the festival.
TONGOD: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the government is committed to transform the lives of the people in the state through the implementation of various infrastructure projects and other development programmes.
He said that through this transformation efforts, the people would enjoy more benefits of development undertaken by the government in their respective areas.
“I believe that through this, the economic development of the state in terms of the production of agricultural products in the area would grow,” he said when launching the Tongod district-level Kaamatan celebration here on Thursday.
Pairin, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development, said changes brought about by the development programmes were a tribute to the people who have supported the government’s efforts and policies over the years.
He hoped the people would continue to support the efforts of the government to develop their areas in order for them to enjoy progess and better welfare.
Pairin also urged the people especially the Kadazan Dusun and Murut (KDM) to be more proud of the cultural traditions that became the legacy of their ancestors.
“As a KDM race, we should be proud of our culture and art, especially costumes, which also showed the beauty and excitement of this festival.
“I believe the costumes represent the identity of our race,” he said.
Pairin, who is also President of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), said the display of more KDM community arts and cultures during the prestigious Harvest Festival celebrations will have an impact on foreign and domestic tourists visiting the country, especially Sabah.
He urged the people in this state to seize and take opportunities during the celebration of this month to seek better income through the sale of agricultural products, handicraft products and many others to the tourists who come to their areas.
Pairin also assured that the government would continue to give attention to all areas in the state in order to continue development, including this district.
Earlier in his speech, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Masiung Banah has requested that the government undertake the construction of the highway from Tongod to Sook in Keningau district.
“I also ask that the KDM community should continue to maintain traditional costumes and the construction of traditional houses by the people of this district would continue to be maintained,” he said.
In conjunction with the festival, various activities were held such as race and tug-of-boats, traditional huts, exhibition by the 30 government agencies involved as well as cultural performances by people in the area.
More than 3,000 people, including the District Officer, Robert Stidi, heads of the state and Federal government departments and community leaders attended the festival.