TUARAN: The State Government supports NGOs that organise cultural heritage activities for Sabah’s diverse ethnic groups, provided they do not overlap with similar government initiatives.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said events like the Rumpun Bajausamah Cultural Festival help elevate Sabah’s cultural treasures and enhance the state’s image globally.
He said such programmes also foster unity among communities regardless of race or religion, speaking at the festival’s opening at the Rumpun Bajausamah Cultural Centre in Lok Batik on Sunday.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});The event was attended by Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.
Hajiji said the festival’s theme, Budaya Tradisi Teras Perpaduan Malaysia Madani, reflects the association’s responsibility to uphold unity while preserving cultural traditions.
He added that Sabah’s 35 ethnic groups and 217 sub-ethnic groups live harmoniously, embodying the spirit of “Unity in Diversity” and shaping the state’s unique identity.
The Chief Minister said the festival’s competitions, including traditional dance, singing, and weaving displays, not only preserve heritage but also uncover new talent, contributing to the state’s cultural richness.
