Musa (middle), Wong (seventh from right), ministers and other invited guests beating the drums to mark the launch of the Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans have accepted one another and are not divided by differences in culture, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
“Instead we find unity in our diversity and we have become closer and appreciate each other,” he said, adding that each ethnic group brings with it positive values that work in harmony for Sabahans to create a developed and forward looking Sabah.
“We would not be able to attain greater heights in Sabah without elements of respect and acceptance,” he said when officiating the annual Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival here yesterday.
On the event which is organized by the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association (USCCA) of Kota Kinabalu, Musa said it has played a role in uniting the various ethnic groups in the state.
The Dragon, Unicorn and Lion dance has deep roots in the Chinese culture and over the years has played a vital role in bringing together the various ethnic groups in Sabah, he pointed out.
“I would like to congratulate the USCCA of Kota Kinabalu under the leadership of new President Datuk Susan Wong for the successful organization of this festival which showcases the unity of Chinese communities by promoting the essence of inheritance of Chinese traditions and culture,” Musa said.
According to Musa, the successful organizing of the event is testimony to the strong ties between the Chinese community and the Sabah state government in promoting Chinese culture and harmonious living.
This, he said, is a fine example for the rest of Malaysia and the world adding that the state government encourages cultural events and he is looking forward to the continuation of the event in coming years.
Musa also announced an allocation of RM50,000 to support the event and added that the allocation is testimony to the state government’s support as well as commitment to the Chinese community which has served as its partner in progress.
During the launching ceremony, Consul General of the People’s Republic in Kota Kinabalu Chen Peijie announced an allocation of RMB30,000 to the event.
Amogn guests attending the event were Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan, Minister of Special Tasks Datuk Teo Chee Kang, Deputy State Assembly Speaker Datuk Johnson Tee, Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai and Chinese community leaders.