Musa and his wife Faridah (centre) threshing paddy at the launch of the state level Harvest Festival yesterday. Also seen are Pairin (left) and Hajiji (second right).
TAMPARULI: The Barisan Nasional (BN) government would ensure Sabah continues to thrive under its leadership, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.
The State Government, through the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), will bring growth and progress to all parts of Sabah, including the rural areas, he assured at the launch of the state level Kaamatan Festival here yesterday.
Musa said the political stability and people’s unity in the state have enabled the government to bring about development and betterment.
“The existence of political stability and public unity are two key ingredients that are necessary for development,” he said.
Musa commended Sabah’s multiracial community for their ability to live peacefully as a community and this uniqueness is strength to the state.
He said it is due to this strength that Sabah has been made a 1Malaysia role model by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The 1Malaysia aspiration calls for all races within the country to thrive and coexist peacefully together.
Speaking at the event, Musa urged Sabah’s multi-ethnic community to continue to safeguard their cultural heritage.
“Our heritage has been passed on to us for generations and it is imperative for us to care for it. We must be proud of it,” he said.
On the Kaamatan Festival, Musa said it is renowned, not just in Sabah but throughout the country as well as worldwide.
“It is a festivity we can all be proud of, together,” he said.
Also present at the event was his wife Datin Seri Faridah Tussin, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Haji Hajiji Haji Noor as well as State Assembly members and State Secretary Datuk Sukarti Wakiman.
Meanwhile, the Tun Hamdan Hall where the event was held was packed to the brim, with security officers at the entrance forced to turn away many who wanted to enter the hall to join in the celebration.
Visitors were told that the maximum capacity of the hall was about 1,500 people.
The event saw performances by Sabah singers Stacy, Chuck, Marsha and Velvet as well as cultural dances.
Outside the hall, visitors patronized stalls selling food, agricultural produce and handicrafts.