Embrace unity in diversity through occasions like Kaamatan, says Anwar

The Star

30-05-2025

KOTA KINABALU: Traditional dances with modern elements and songs portraying the spirit of Sabahans' diversity, as well as performances aimed at unifying the people, opened this year's state-level Kaamatan Festival in Penampang on Friday (May 30).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who officiated the event, struck a gong seven times to mark the start of the celebration, one of the most important events in the calendar of the Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus communities.
Held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall in the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) building, he said the event, themed "Kaamatan for All", is for the preservation of heritage, culture and tradition.
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He added that, as with all cultural programmes and celebrations, inclusivity was an important element, especially in a multicultural nation like Malaysia.
However, not everyone understands the importance or appreciates the meaning of unity in diversity, Anwar said.
He said some people continued to find fault with the differences, instead of focusing on the similarities.
He said when the Federation of Malaysia was formed, Tunku Abdul Rahman spoke about unifying agents and celebrating differences.
ALSO READ: 'Kaamatan for All' highlights Sabahans' community spirit
'Look at countries that focus on differences, all are destroyed. Therefore, leaders with wisdom will always focus on and talk about unity. Do not sacrifice your state because of differences,' he said.
Earlier, organising chairman and Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the theme of this year's ce; celebration is simple yet clear and easy to understand.
It emphasises unity in diversity in a multicultural country, he said in his speech, read out by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam.
'Although Kaamatan is a festival of the natives in Sabah, it is also celebrated by all regardless of race, religion and creed,' he said.
This is to strengthen unity among the people, and is a manifestation of harmony in line with the Federal Government's ambition of better uniting the people, said Kitingan, who is also State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry minister.
ALSO READ: Kaamatan celebrates heritage, promotes cultural preservation, unity, says Kitingan
He said his ministry is committed to increasing yields and helping farmers and those in the sector to develop and help improve the economic status of rural folk.
On the month-long festival that began on May 1, Kitingan said various programmes involving youth have been lined up for the purpose of cultural preservation.
'With the involvement of youths, we hope to promote cultural awareness and to also foster unity among the people,' he said, pointing out that traditional food, music, cultural attire and activities can also promote tourism in the state.
Guests were entertained with special dance performances from the district of Tambunan, a choir, the winners of the International Student Cultural Exchange Programme, traditional dances from Penampang, Bisaya, Tombonuo and Rungus, native poetry or Hiis, and appearances by the Unduk Ngadau finalists.
Kaamatan culminates on Friday and Saturday (May 31), with the state Unduk Ngadau winner to be announced tomorrow.
She will be the face of the native Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus communities, the ambassador for various cultural programmes, and tasked with various duties, including promoting Sabah.