Kamarlin greeting the workshop participants yesterday.
Some of the participants in their traditional costumes.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah still does not have an updated list of ethnic and sub-ethnic groups in the state, and Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Kamarlin Haji Ombi stressed that the list which would act as a reference material on all the ethnic groups in Sabah would be able to help in efforts to sustain, protect and develop the ethnic culture.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-day workshop that sought to refine the list of ethnics and sub-ethnics in Sabah yesterday, Kamarlin said a consensus on the list of ethnics and sub-ethnics for Sabah had yet to be reached due to obstacles related to to the status and rights of the Sabah natives, Bumiputeras and non-Bumiputeras.
“So until now, the government still doesn’t have the updated list of ethnics in Sabah which could be used officially. The findings from this workshop concerning the list is very important and must be jointly decided upon and accepted,” he stressed.
With the list available, Kamarlin said a more efficient effort to elevate the status of the ethnics’ culture in Sabah could take place.
He also said a consensus and agreement on the list could unravel and solve ethnic issues’ list and the actual number of ethnic groups in Sabah.
“The existence of an ethnic group is dynamic and constantly evolving. Often times, new ethnic groups emerge, and at the same time, there are other ethnic group disappearing. Hence, the resolution from the first series of the workshop held from February 12 to 13, that stipulated that the list of ethnic be revised every five years should continue,” he said.
At the same time, Kamarlin also urged all the ethnic organisations to update and manage their respective organisation efficiently to fulfil its function and role in line with the government’s transformation.
He said the associations / organisations could contribute the development and uplift the ethnic culture in the state.
He also said the government lauded efforts by the associations / organisations to promote the uniqueness and beauty of their respective ethnic cultures to help develop the potentials of cultural tourism in Sabah.
“The richness of our ethnics and culture is our strength,” he said.