PENAMPANG: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor urged all ethnic associations in the State to continue to empower their respective ethnic languages, cultures and customs so that they would not be lost due to globalisation.
He said it is essential that the cultural heritage of ethnic diversity in Sabah, which comprises more than 35 ethnicities and 217 sub-ethnicities, using more than 50 languages and about 90 dialects, will continue to be strengthened and not marginalised in today’s modernity and technology.
“I want ethnic associations also to try to ensure that our children, especially the younger generation, can speak using their respective mother tongues,” he said when officiating the 2023 SabahVfm Song Awards at KDCA Hongkod Koisaan Hall, here, Thursday.
His speech was read out by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
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“If the language and cultural heritage of the race is not maintained, then the identity of the race will be lost.
“Therefore, the young generation should learn about the language and culture of their people.”
Hajiji said the implementation of various programmes to dignify the cultural treasures of different races and ethnicities in the State would also continue to be strengthened.
“The uniqueness of Sabah is not only in the natural resources but also the culture of the people, including the language.”
He said the people of various races in this State should always feel proud to display the uniqueness of their respective languages and cultures so that the younger generation and outsiders recognise them.
To this end, he said, the organisation of the SabahVfm Song Awards, which received a good response from the community, especially local music artists, will help the effort to dignify Sabah’s ethnic language more effectively through the synergy of the State Government with Federal agencies such as RTM.
He hoped that with the involvement of more young people from various ethnic groups who participate in such competitions, they get to know various languages and cultures better.
Hajiji also welcomed the initiative and seriousness of RTM in organising a prestigious competition for songs in ethnic languages in Sabah.
“The organisation of this programme can preserve the treasures of the cultural heritage of various ethnicities in Sabah, especially the language, so that it does not disappear in the development current of the globalised world.
“The music and songs of Kadazan, Dusun, Bajau and Murut shape and create our unique cultural identity through unique and interesting instrument sounds and rhythms.
“I hope the programme will be an effort to encourage our young generation to be proficient in speaking in their respective mother tongues.
“We must preserve our mother tongue to be passed on to the next generation and ensure it does not die out.
“With this, the language and every traditional cultural practice will continue to be a legacy for future generations.
“Hopefully, the organisation of the SabahVfm Song Awards will be able to increase the mastery of ethnic languages, especially Kadazan, Dusun, Bajau and Murut, among the people from the respective ethnic groups, as well as cross-culturally, which can be a vehicle for the unity and harmony of the multiracial people in Sabah and Malaysia,” he said.
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