Salleh: Make Kaamatan a national-level event

KOTA BELUD: State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak has suggested that the federal government recognise the state-level Kaamatan Festival, celebrated annually on May 31, as a national-level Kaamatan celebration.

By doing so, he said, there was no longer a need for a separate national-level Kaamatan Festival as had been the case previously.

This was in line with the government’s aspirations under the 1Malaysia concept which prioritised unity among the multiracial, multireligious and multicultural society, he said.

“A separate state-level and national-level Kaamatan Festival would give the impression as though there is a disagreement between the state and federal governments.

“This may cause certain quarters to wonder why a celebration should be held separately when in fact it can be held simultaneously.

“That is why I’m suggesting that the federal government recognise the state Kaamatan Festival as a national-level Kaamatan celebration,” he said when opening the district-level Kaamatan Festival, here yesterday.

Among those present were Kota Belud MP Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan and Kadamaian assemblyman Datuk Herbert Timbon Lagadan.

Salleh, who is United Sabah Bajau Organisation (Usbo) president, said the move would also help save the budget in organising the celebration.

“Turning the state-level Kaamatan Festival into a national-level Kaamatan event will also make it merrier, and showcase the multiracial unity more.

“This will also help spur the state’s tourism sector,” he said.

Salleh said the identity of the festival, which is synonymous with the Kadazandusun community, should be retained especially in its programme line up.

He also suggested that the federal government channel assistance for the district-level Kaamatan celebrations, saying the move would show the government’s commitment in safeguarding the interest of the country’s minority community.

The people of Sabah should also make Kaamatan Festival as an avenue to strengthen unity, he said, noting that although the state had more than 30 ethnic groups, they remained strongly united.

“It is not surprising then that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak describes Sabah as a role model for the 1Malaysia concept,” he said. — Bernama