Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Day will continue to be celebrated annually as an important occasion for the people of the State. State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Assistant Minister Datuk Peto Galim said this year’s celebration at Padang Merdeka marks the second official edition, following the inaugural event in Keningau.
“Sabah Day will remain an important celebration for the people of Sabah and will, of course, be held every year. This has been decided by the State Cabinet.
“This is the second official celebration, at Padang Merdeka, after it was previously held in Keningau,” he told the media after an interview session on the Santai Kupi-Kupi FM segment at the Kupi-Kupi FM radio station, here, Friday.
Peto said while some have questioned the timing of the celebration as it falls close to National Day, both events carry their own distinct identity.
“Of course, we will hold this celebration every year. While some say it coincides with National Day, the difference is that National Day is celebrated in the morning, whereas Sabah Day is held in the evening.
“There is also the possibility that future Sabah Day celebrations will be brought to other towns or major districts across the State,” he said.
Peto added that some activities had been scaled down this year as a gesture of sensitivity towards the current situation.
“There are some differences in this year’s programme, which is slightly more modest given the circumstances around us. We did not include events that appear overly festive, as we are mindful that some of our fellow citizens are facing difficulties. So we reduced activities that do not reflect the spirit of togetherness for everyone,” he said.
He also called on all Sabahans, regardless of cultural, linguistic, religious or ethnic background, to come together and enliven the celebration.
“Let us all embrace the spirit of togetherness, stand shoulder to shoulder, attend and celebrate Sabah Day. Never let differences in race, skin colour or religion be an obstacle for us to unite in this celebration,” he added.
“Sabah Day will remain an important celebration for the people of Sabah and will, of course, be held every year. This has been decided by the State Cabinet.
“This is the second official celebration, at Padang Merdeka, after it was previously held in Keningau,” he told the media after an interview session on the Santai Kupi-Kupi FM segment at the Kupi-Kupi FM radio station, here, Friday.
Peto said while some have questioned the timing of the celebration as it falls close to National Day, both events carry their own distinct identity.
“Of course, we will hold this celebration every year. While some say it coincides with National Day, the difference is that National Day is celebrated in the morning, whereas Sabah Day is held in the evening.
“There is also the possibility that future Sabah Day celebrations will be brought to other towns or major districts across the State,” he said.
Peto added that some activities had been scaled down this year as a gesture of sensitivity towards the current situation.
“There are some differences in this year’s programme, which is slightly more modest given the circumstances around us. We did not include events that appear overly festive, as we are mindful that some of our fellow citizens are facing difficulties. So we reduced activities that do not reflect the spirit of togetherness for everyone,” he said.
He also called on all Sabahans, regardless of cultural, linguistic, religious or ethnic background, to come together and enliven the celebration.
“Let us all embrace the spirit of togetherness, stand shoulder to shoulder, attend and celebrate Sabah Day. Never let differences in race, skin colour or religion be an obstacle for us to unite in this celebration,” he added.
