Sabah govt committed to preserving state's cultural, multi-ethnic heritage
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government remains committed to implementing comprehensive initiatives aimed at preserving and strengthening the cultural heritage of the state's multi-racial communities, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the ongoing efforts were crucial to ensure the state's cultural treasures continued to be preserved, appreciated and passed down to future generations amid rapid global changes.
'In an ever-changing world, it is vital to ensure that local culture remains relevant and is understood by both present and future generations. The younger generation are not just inheritors but also guardians of the heritage that will shape the future of this state.
'The preservation of cultural heritage is essential to ensure the continuity of a community's identity, values and traditions. I therefore hope that ethnic associations in the state will continue to promote their respective cultures, customs and languages so that they are not lost over time,' he said in a statement in conjunction with the Sabah Ethnic Day celebration here tonight.
The event was officiated by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, who was accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin. Also present was Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also the State Local Government and Housing Minister.
Hajiji said efforts to preserve cultural heritage would also help attract more tourists to Sabah, in line with the state government's target of 3.5 million tourist arrivals this year.
'The spirit of goodwill in diversity is the foundation of the people's strength in this state. Therefore, I urge all Sabahans to continue nurturing the values of tolerance, mutual respect and harmony regardless of ethnic or religious background,' he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
30 minutes ago
- Daily Express
Sabah PKR welcomes action on mining scandal
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 Text Size: Mustapha said transparency, integrity and accountability must be the foundation of every decision involving the State's resources. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah PKR has welcomed a statement by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Tan Sri Azam Baki that charges will be laid against those involved in an alleged mining scandal in the State. Sabah PKR Chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said mining licensing has long been a matter of concern for Sabahans, who hope that the State's natural resources are managed fairly and used to benefit all. Advertisement In a statement, Mustapha said transparency, integrity and accountability must be the foundation of every decision involving the State's resources. 'Sabah PKR believes that these (charges) will send an important message that the culture of abuse of power will no longer be tolerated. 'It is time for Sabah to strengthen its standards of governance with greater credibility and integrity,' he said. On Friday, Azam said he would make an announcement soon about the 'one or two individuals' to be charged in court in connection with the alleged mining scandal. On June 6, a source from MACC said the investigation papers had been completed and submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers two weeks earlier and that several individuals could be charged. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
an hour ago
- Daily Express
Polls date after PGRS AGM: Chief Minister
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 Text Size: Tuaran: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sunday that a date has yet to be set for the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly, amid speculation that it could take place by late July or early August. However, he hinted that an announcement may be made after the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) General Assembly at the end of July. Advertisement 'Not yet, we will meet first for the general assembly at the end of July,' he told reporters after officiating the Sulaman Gagasan Rakyat Division Annual Conference at Dewan Seri Sulaman, Sunday. The Chief Minister, who is also Gagasan Rakyat President cum Sulaman Division Chief, was responding to questions about the possibility of dissolving the State Assembly in late July to pave the way for the 17th State Election. Hajiji, who chairs the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, said the ruling coalition is prepared to face any opponent in state election. However, he said decisions regarding political cooperation must be made by GRS Supreme Council. 'GRS is ready to face anyone in the coming election. That is our position, but any form of cooperation must be decided by the GRS Supreme Council,' he said. He expressed support for GRS Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali's view that GRS should compete against Barisan Nasional (BN) in the state election. 'I support his opinion, but we have not made a final decision yet. This is not from me, but from BN party stating they are not interested. We should not force people if they are not interested,' said Hajiji. He said this year's Gagasan Rakyat Annual General Meeting is particularly important as it is being held ahead of the state election. He urged party members to unite and strengthen their machinery for the coming election. 'My reminder and advice to Gagasan Rakyat and GRS members is to be united. Close ranks, strengthen the party machinery as we face the election that is not far away,' he said. In his opening speech, the Chief Minister reminded party leaders and members to learn from the current political situation and counter lies spread by the opposition through social media. Regarding the Sulaman seat he has held since 1990, Hajiji expressed confidence that it can continue to be defended under GRS in the state election. He also wants the three other seats in the Tuaran parliamentary constituency - Pantai Dalit, Tamparuli and Kiulu - to remain under GRS control. He indicated that GRS is more comfortable with the current government arrangement of GRS-PH Plus, saying this reflects the people's sentiment on the ground. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Daily Express
Sabah BN ready to face GRS: Bung
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: Bung said past alliances that lacked sincerity only led to weak, inconsistent governments that failed to inspire public confidence. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) is open to a democratic clash with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in the coming state election, but says it won't enter into alliances just to prop up weak and insincere governments. Its Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said Sabah BN does not need to wait for signals from other parties before stating its position or taking action. Advertisement 'The statement reflects the normal dynamics in a multi-party democracy, where different players operate in the same space but with different foundations of legitimacy and structure,' he said. He was responding to GRS Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who had voiced support for a straight fight between GRS and BN in the coming Sabah polls — mirroring Bung's earlier suggestion for both coalitions to go head-to-head at the polls. 'If viewed positively, it is a healthy sign of competition in ideas and policy,' Bung said. However, he stressed that cooperation must be built on trust and honesty, not just on paper agreements. 'BN does not reject political cooperation outright. But we will only work with those who are honest, not just in signing agreements, but in implementing policies, respecting the role of partners and upholding the integrity of the political system,' he said. 'Political cooperation without honesty is like building a house on mud — it may stand for a while, but it will eventually collapse under pressure. BN has learned this lesson, and so have the people.' Bung said past alliances that lacked sincerity only led to weak, inconsistent governments that failed to inspire public confidence. 'To GRS, if you are truly ready for a democratic contest, we welcome it,' he said. 'Clashing at the ballot box is not something to fear. It is the best way to prove who really holds the people's trust, based on genuine strength, not borrowed support or shortcuts.' Bung also called on Sabahans, especially younger and politically aware voters, to reassess their choices as the State heads into its next election. 'Sabah BN does not come with mere slogans. We have a track record of leading the State towards development. We have also been tested. ' Now, we return with the determination to improve, not to repeat. 'In politics, legitimacy doesn't come from the number of seats alone, but from the people's trust in our sincerity.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
