PENAMPANG: The new Sabah government will continue to promote Kadazandusun and Murut (KDM) culture at international level to further uplift the state's heritage.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said cultural festivals such as the month-long Pesta Kaamatan is not just a celebration but an important product to bring tourists to Sabah, especially in the month of May.
"The KDM has many products and will bring this matter up to Trade and Industries Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau to develop and increase the trade in traditional costume for instance.
“However, it is not just about the dance and costumes but also food. My favourite is the ‘hinava’ (pickled fish salad) and we need to promote traditional cuisine not just as local food but, in a menu, which can be served in London,” he said.
Shafie was speaking to thousands of visitors at the closing of State level Pesta Kaamatan at Hongkod Koisaan here. He was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Shuryani Shuaib.
Speaking on the importance of safeguarding KDM culture, Shafie said he wanted to ensure the Kaamatan would benefit all and would leave a lasting impression to tourists on Sabah and its culture when they return to their respective country.
The Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) president also urged all quarters to put aside political differences and to continue foster unity in celebrating the spirit of Kaamatan together.
“The opening (of Kaamatan month) was launched by the Barisan Nasional in Keningau but today, the Warisan (led government) is closing the event. However, it doesn’t make any difference.
“We will continue to respect and intensify efforts to improve the festival. This is our pride…We must also commend our leaders such as Tun Fuad Stephen and Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who had done lot (for the KDM community),” said Shafie.
He reminded all that Sabah needed to move forward at par with other developing countries and not to let differences become a deterrent for the state to progress.
Towards the end, Shafie said the state government would look into improving the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) building to accommodate the growing number of visitors during the Kaamatan festival.
Present at the event were Deputy chief ministers Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau and Christina LiewTourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew and Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony.