Musa pouring rice into the ‘tangkob’ (rice storang), to officiate at the closing ceremony of the state-level Harvest Festival celebration. — Bernama photo
PENAMPANG: The “Kaamatan’’ or Harvest Festival which is celebrated annually has considerable meaning to the various ethnic communities in the state, says Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
He said the festival was not only celebrated by the Kadazan Dusun and Murut people but it also saw more than 30 ethnicities in the state joining in the celebration.
Hence, he said the popular festival was where various ethnic communities in Sabah joined in the celebration and met family members and friends, as well as used it as a platform to foster brotherhood and unity.
“The state government will not hesitate to support and give backing to organising the Harvest Festival and it is also well received by the federal government, especially the prime minister, so this festival is not only celebrated at state level but also national level,” added Musa.
The chief minister said this when officiating at the closing ceremony of the state-level Harvest Festival celebration here yesterday.
Also in attendance were Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.
According to Musa, the important thing to be learned from the Harvest Festival was that it provided space to foster unity and strengthen relations among the people.
“We, the people of Sabah, regardless of ethnicity and religion, the important thing is that we should stick together, work together and help each other. This was the way we were, and are currently,” he said.
Musa said, with the solidarity of the people of Sabah and support of all parties, the state would be developed to become more advanced. — Bernama