By WU VUIDE
TUARAN: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that promote cultural heritage preservation will always receive the State Government’s support, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Regarding the organisation of the Rumpun Bajausamah Cultural Festival, Hajiji said it has the potential to elevate the state’s cultural treasures, possibly to the global stage.
Such programmes are encouraged as they strengthen bonds of unity among the local community, he said at the opening of the Rumpun Bajausamah Cultural Festival at the Rumpun Bajausamah Cultural Centre in Lok Batik.
The event was officiated by the Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.
“In line with the theme ‘Budaya Tradisi Teras Perpaduan Malaysia Madani’, it is the responsibility of the Rumpun Bajausamah Association to uphold the unity agenda.
“For generations and centuries, the people of this state have practised a way of life grounded in mutual respect, cooperation, and helping one another,” he said.
Hajiji said the spirit of togetherness and mutual tolerance among the people has shaped Sabah society into a unique and captivating identity.
“With 35 ethnic groups and 217 sub-ethnic groups, our society is indeed diverse and truly plural in the Malaysian context.
“Even so, the people of Sabah continue to live in harmony with a strong sense of unity, in line with the slogan ‘Unity in Diversity’.
“Only through unity can we become strong, respected, and admired. If we are divided and disunited, we will become weak and easily dominated by others who wish to control or colonise us,” he said.
On the Rumpun Bajausamah Association, Hajiji said it aspires to be like other cultural or ethnic associations that serve as custodians and preservers of their people’s traditional customs, ultimately nurturing the spirit of unity among the people.
“If this noble movement is sustained and further strengthened, God willing, we can develop Sabah not only in terms of physical growth but also as a state rich in cultural and traditional values,” he said.
Hajiji said the festival, which featured traditional dance competitions such as Limbai and Runsai, the Bintang Soromas (singing) competition, and the Betitik competition, provides a platform to unearth new talents while preserving cultural heritage.
The Ratu Serimpak (traditional beauty pageant) was the highlight of the event, showcasing the quality of weaving arts and ethnic Bajau motifs in the garments worn by participants.
Hajiji also paid tribute to Musa for supporting the formation of the Rumpun Bajausamah Association 12 years ago and for the development of the Rumpun Bajausamah Cultural Centre in Lok Batik, which began in 2017 during Musa’s tenure as Chief Minister of Sabah.
