(L to R) Dr Maximus, Datuk Seri Panglima Clarence Bongkos Malakun,
Musa, Pairin and Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan
1st June, 2011
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the Harvest Festival celebration has provided a platform not only for all communities to come together but also to bury any hatchet and differences.
“It is time for forgive and forget our past and move forward,” he said at the closing ceremony of the State-level Kaamatan Festival celebration at KDCA Hongkod Koisaan here yesterday.
Pairin who is also the main organising chairman, said apart from the merriment, the celebrations has also provided a platform to strengthen the unity and understanding of the state diverse races, culture and ethnic groups as well as to appreciate the sacrifices of Huminodun while enjoying a bountiful harvest.
Sabah United Bisaya Association president Datuk Lajim Ukin who was present at the ceremony said: “There are more than 31 ethnic groups in Sabah who have their own custom, culture and dance respectively.
“So with this festival, we have the opportunity to highlight their culture and traditions to the public as well as become an attraction for the tourists,” said the Deputy Minister of Housing & Local Government.
“Our diverse cultures should be promoted to the visitors and when you understand our cultures, the international communities will recognise us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of State Tun Haji Juhar Haji Mahiruddin and wife Toh Puan Hajah Norlidah Datuk RM Jasni accompanied by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman and wife Datin Seri Hajah Faridah Haji Tussin also attended the closing ceremony.
They were greeted on arrival by Pairin.
Others who were present were State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said, Federal Cabinet Ministers such as Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili and Datuk Seri Anifah Aman as well State Cabinet Ministers, Assistant Ministers, elected representative and heads of departments.
