Kaamatan a great platform to foster unity and friendship, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s month-long Kaamatan festival remains one of the best platforms to promote unity and friendship among the plural community in the state, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

In recognising the importance of such events, the Chief Minister called upon the people, irrespective of religion and race, to continue fostering unity, respect one another and not be easily swayed by disruptive elements detrimental to the unity that Sabahans have long enjoyed.

“It is also important that the people’s support to the state government must not waver so that development can be implemented,” he said at the 2024 Tuaran district Kaamatan Festival on Wednesday (May 8).

Hajiji said the state government would continue to provide support to all cultural and religious celebrations as the unique cultures and traditions of Sabah were important assets of the people.

In the context of development, he urged all elected representatives to always go to the ground to engage the grassroots in their respective constituencies and to help resolve problems faced by the people.

“Do not wait for problems to arise, instead always be close to the people. Similarly, all district officers and personnel in relevant departments must be proactive in discharging their duties,” he said.

This year’s Kaamatan festival themed “Kaamatan, Beyond Food Security” is in line with the government’s commitment to boost Sabah’s food security, he said, adding that it also served as a reminder for everyone to work harder to increase yields and sustain food resources.

The Sulaman assemblyman reiterated the state government’s commitment to enhance the agriculture yield, the rice self-sufficiency level in particular.

“Apart from reviving the Sabah Padi and Rice Board, I hope those with vast land including idle padi fields will develop their land as the state government has given several incentives especially for padi cultivation this year,” Hajiji said.

Later, he presented the Tokoh Kaamatan award to recipients in five categories.

Also present were Hajiji’s wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag; state Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim, who is Tamparuli assemblyman; state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the Kiulu assemblyman; Innoprise Corporation executive chairman Datuk Jasnih Daya, who is Pantai Dalit assemblyman; and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd chairman and Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.