PENAMPANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made history by attending Sabah state-level Kaamatan Festival celebration here.
State Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that the presence of the 10th Prime Minister to celebrate the closing of the Kaamatan Festival celebration had indeed filled the people of Sabah, especially the Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) ethnic group, with pride and excitement.
"Kaamatan is a successful celebration that elevates the dignity of the KDMR ethnic cultures in Sabah, and we are proud of it because Sabah is also recognised globally for organising this Kaamatan event.
"Therefore, the people of Sabah, especially the (KDMR) ethnic groups, undoubtedly feel proud and excited about the presence of the prime minister today.
"This is another historic moment in the series of state-level Kaamatan Festival celebrations. Indeed, it is not easy for us to have such an opportunity, the country's number one leader who is always busy with a very hectic schedule, to be present with us in this famous (Kadazandusun Cultural Association) KDCA hall," he said.
Hajiji was speaking during the closing ceremony of the Sabah State-level Kaamatan Festival 2023 at the KDCA Hall here.
The closing of the Kaamatan Festival was officiated by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.
Also present were his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah R.M Jasni and Anwar.
Also present were the Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan and his brother Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Hajiji said that the state government always supported programmes that embodied culture and society as they strengthened kinship, unified the people, and reinforced community relations for the well-being and harmony of the state.
"In the context of the Kaamatan Festival, although it is celebrated by the KDMR community, this celebration is also enlivened by all layers of society in this state.
"The practice of sharing festivities or cultural festivals among all ethnic groups is our uniqueness in Sabah, which must be preserved in line with the concept of Malaysia Madani."
