Wednesday, June 01, 2011

Kaamatan a platform to strengthen unity

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.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kaamatan a platform to strengthen unity
.
.

No comments: