PENAMPANG: The Kaamatan celebration is a platform of harmony and unity for all the people in Sabah, asserted Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.

“I feel grateful to see the presence of various parties and the people who are looking forward to this festival because this cultural celebration has united the people of Sabah,” said Musa.

Kaamatan is not only a festival to appreciate the bountiful harvest but also to strengthen the family and friendship between the Kadazan Dusun and Murut community, said Musa during the closing ceremony of the State-level Kaamatan Festival at Hongkod Koisaan Hall near here yesterday.

“It teaches us the importance of unity as the foundation to strengthen the harmony of the state’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity,” emphasized Musa.

“This is an example of a harmonious and pluralistic society which should be celebrated by all parties’ regardless political boundaries.”

He said Kaamatan is a time to meet friends and celebrate the festival together even though this is a Ramadan month.

“And the presence of visitors have also proved how strong the spirit of brotherhood, friendship, sense of belonging and unity that has become a culture and daily life befitting the spirit of 1Malaysia and the theme ‘Kaamatan Basis of Unity’,” enthused Musa.

He believed the involvement and commitment of all races in making the celebration a success through the display of traditional costumes, cuisines and others have strengthen the sense of belonging and friendship as well as allows us to understand the heritage of a race.

He urged the people to always be with the government for the welfare and progress of the state.

“Let’s support the government in order to build and develop the country and state successfully,” called Musa.

“We need all the ethnics to stay united to develop Sabah because I myself or one ethnic cannot do it alone,” he said.

Meanwhile, Musa also announced that the government will allocate RM1 million to the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) to do the rewiring work of the Hongkod Koisaan building in response to a request made by organising chairman Datuk Ir. John Anthony.

(Source from New Sabah Times, 1st June 2017)