Tuaran: The establishment of the Hakka Mini Museum here will help preserve, document and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Hakka community in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“I see the establishment of a Hakka museum as a highly significant and timely initiative.
“The museum has the potential to become a reference centre and repository of knowledge, bringing together various historical artefacts and cultural heritage of the Hakka community, including recordings of the Hakka language, the history and traditional costumes of the unicorn dance, as well as heritage recipes and the stories behind the community’s unique traditional dishes,” he said.
Hajiji was speaking at the opening of the Tuaran District Hakka Association’s new building and the Hakka Mini Museum here on Friday. His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.
The Chief Minister said the museum was not merely intended to preserve historical treasures for future generations, but also to bridge the heritage of the past with aspirations for the future.
“It will also provide opportunities for the younger generation and visitors to learn about, understand and appreciate the contributions of the Hakka community in shaping Sabah’s history and identity,” he said.
He also said efforts to preserve and promote such heritage would further strengthen mutual respect, understanding and unity among Sabah’s multiracial communities.
“Indeed, cultural diversity is a treasure that we must preserve, while unity in diversity is a strength that we must continue to uphold for a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous future for Sabah,” he said.
Hajiji said the Hakka community in Sabah, which began arriving as early as 1883, had played an important role in shaping the State’s socioeconomic landscape, enriching its cultural heritage and contributing to its progress and development.
He said community organisations such as the Tuaran District Hakka Association had an important role to play.
“Apart from preserving their own culture and identity, such associations can also serve as bridges connecting people from different backgrounds and strengthening unity and harmony in the State.
“I hope the Tuaran District Hakka Association will continue to move forward by focusing on youth development, strengthening cultural activities, expanding community programmes and continuing to serve the community,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government had always valued the role of community organisations in helping develop local communities.
“Support and cooperation between the Government, community organisations, the private sector and the people are vital to ensuring that development initiatives and efforts to improve the people’s well-being can continue to be implemented,” he said.
He congratulated the Tuaran District Hakka Association on the opening of the Hakka Mini Museum, which is expected to become another tourist attraction, particularly in Tuaran.
