KENINGAU: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan has asked the Keningau District Office to identify suitable sites for the creation of a cultural village in the interior.
Several years ago, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin had suggested that this state should have a cultural village like in Sarawak, Pairin disclosed.
“I have spoken to the Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry cum Liawan assemblyman, Datuk Haji Sairin Karno to follow up on this matter and expedite it in view of the interior area’s great potential as a tourist destination,” he said when opening the District Level Kaamatan Festival celebration at the community hall here yesterday.
Pairin, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister, said he had also asked the Keningau district officer to identify a site with an area between 100 to 300 acres for the creation of the cultural village.
The interior could be developed as a domestic and foreign tourist attraction and focus through the establishment of the cultural village, he said, adding that in addition to promoting various ethnic arts and culture in this state, it would also open up employment opportunities for locals in the interior.
District officer and chairman of the festival coordinating committee Haji Yusop Haji Osman said in his speech that he has applied for a piece of land measuring 15 acres owned by the KDCA (Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association) in Apin-Apin to be developed with the construction of a hall and traditional houses of various ethnicities to serve as a centre for the yearly Kaamatan festival celebration and attract tourists to visit the interior of Sabah.
Meanwhile, Pairin urged the people of Sabah to make the Kaamatan Festival which is being celebrated throughout the month of May as a day of brotherhood, as the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity that exists today can contribute to the betterment of the people and the state.
“I believe that people can understand and accept the celebration of this festival as one part of a larger family working together for our common needs and interests.
“We must have fruitful cooperation because every good action will certainly contribute towards solidarity and progress.
“I ask that through this festival, we will be able to create goodwill and solidarity in order for us to move forward and maintain the existing peace,” he said.
Furthermore, Pairin also urged the people in the interior to play a part in generating economy through the tourism industry and utilise its potential by creating an attractions for tourists and foreign investors, and also develop the agricultural and manufacturing sector as a catalyst for economic activity.
When speaking on the district level Kaamatan festival, he said the celebration has shown several reforms in the events held and leaned more towards the spirit of cooperation and unity this year in accordance with this year’s theme “Peace and Unity through Culture” and enjoyed an encouraging participation of more than 3,000 people comprising people of various races and religions here.
The festival was enlivened by the presence of 80 members of the Area Neighbourhood (KRT) from the states of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan with the integration of mission trips organised by the National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN).
Pairin took part in opening gimmick by harvesting paddy with the other leaders and beating a gong to mark the opening of the festival, which was followed by a Magavau ceremony led by a Babalian, WKAN Muri Gulim in appreciation and thanks for the yield earned this year and in the years to come.
A Sumazau dance from Kampung Merampong and Mansayau dance from Kampung Keningau also revived the atmosphere in the hall, which was already dominated by the crowd since 8am.
Following this was the introduction of the 25 participants for the Unduk Ngadau vying for the title Unduk Ngadau 2015, serving as the highlight of the Kaamatan celebration in this district.
Also present at the event was Pairin’s wife, Puan Sri Genevieve Kitingan, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili, Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Datuk Haji Sairin Karno, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Alfred Ellron Angin, Senator Datuk Dr Lucas Umbul, District Police Chief Deputy Superintendent Douglas Nyeging Taong, Keningau KDCA chairman Robert Tawik, heads of state and federal government departments, leaders of the Barisan Nasional (BN) and community leaders.