Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sabah Kaamatan suggested To Be A National-Level Celebration

KOTA BELUD -- State assembly speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak has suggested that the federal government recognise the state-level Kaamatan Festival, celebrated annually on May 31, as a national-level Kaamatan celebration.

By doing so, he said, there was no longer a need for a separate national-level Kaamatan Festival as had been the case previously.

This was in line with the government's aspirations under the 1Malaysia concept which prioritized unity among the multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society, he said.

"A separate state-level and national-level Kaamatan Festival would give the impression as though there is a disagreement between the state and federal governments.

"This may cause certain quarters to wonder why a celebration should be held separately when in fact it can be held simultaneously. That is why I'm suggesting that the federal government recognise the state Kaamatan Festival as a national-level Kaamatan celebration," he said when opening the district-level Kaamatan Festival, here Saturday.

Among those present were Kota Belud member of parliament Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan and Kadamaian assemblyman Datuk Herbert Timbon Lagadan.

Salleh, who is United Sabah Bajau Organisation (Usbo) president, said the move would also help save the budget in organising the celebration.

"Turning the state-level Kaamatan Festival into a national-level Kaamatan event will also make it merrier, and showcase the multiracial unity more. This will also help spur the state's tourism sector," he said.

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