Monday, May 22, 2006

Kaamatan – a celebration of racial harmony

PUTATAN: Kaamatan is a celebration depicting the harmonious relations of the multi-racial communities in Sabah, said Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Yahya Hussin.

He said the unique harmony that existed among the people of the state meant that other festivals were celebrated together irrespective of race and belief.

“Everyone here together celebrate Hari Raya, Christmas, Kaamatan and so on. None of us feel odd about celebrating the different festivities,” he said adding that the people should be proud that they were able to co-exist together in peace despite coming from diverse ethnic groups.

Yahya who is also the Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs said this in his speech when he launched the Putatan district Kaamatan Festival here yesterday.

He was pleased to note the presence of other races who came to celebrate the Kaamatan together with the Kadazandusun community.

“These are the things that make Sabah special from the others,” he said.

Also present at the event were Penampang district officer, Stephen Sondoh, Putatan member of parliament, Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh and Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister, Edward Yong.

Meanwhile, Dr Marcus in his speech urged youths to enrol in the higher learning institute that will soon be set up by the government for arts and drama.

He said the young people of today should also be more enterprising and not wait for handouts from the government.

“There are many opportunities provided by the government. All one has to do is go out there and make full use of them,” he added.

Courtesy of New Sabah Times

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