Govt won’t politicise cultural festivities – CM

1

KOTA KINABALU: The government has no intention of politicizing cultural festivities, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He said the government only wants to carry out its social responsibilities, which is to ultimately preserve the identity of the various cultures in the state.

“Culture is universal. We can celebrate it together. The Barisan Nasional party takes care of all the races.

“We in Sabah have always respected the various races in the State; fueled by the spirit of unity; the spirit of working together.

“Just now I was in Tenom, before that I was in Tambunan and now I am here in Penampang,” said Musa when speaking at the Kaamatan Upko Celebration 2017 yesterday.

He went on to stress that the best thing about Sabah being unique is that despite its different cultures, Sabahans can still live peacefully together.

“We (as Sabahans) can all eat at the same table together.

“When I was invited for this event (and the other ones as well), I accepted it gladly.

“We are willing to help and consider every single request that is reasonable,” said Musa.

He added that the government’s support for this type of cultural activity reflects the gratification that the government has towards the people of Sabah.

Musa further explained that these cultural activities will also attract tourists from both in and out of the country.

“The tourists are amazed at our culture. They are amazed at the harmony that Sabah has.

“Today, thousands of tourists choose to come to Sabah; people love Sabahans. They love our food, beaches and our tropical forests.

“Just imagine if our state is not peaceful, people would not even come here.

“Furthermore, this benefit can be enjoyed by all the trades, businessmen and hotel owners in our state,” added Musa who had officiated the tenth annual Upko Kaamatan celebration, which was held at the Penampang Cultural Centre yesterday.

Also present in the event were Upko Acting President Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, Secretary General Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin, Acting Deputy President Datuk Siringan Gubat, Special Tasks Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang and Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din.