By WU VUIDE
TAMPARULI: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has called on the people to continue respecting the state’s multi-racial society to strengthen unity.
“This can only be achieved through an appreciation of the diversity that exists within our community,” he said.
Hajiji said this in a speech read on his behalf by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun at the 2026 Angpow Festival organised by the Chung Fook Tong Association in collaboration with 10 other Chinese associations at Dewan Tun Hamdan.
He said the Sabah Government consistently supports programmes that enhance unity among the people, in line with the aspirations of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ).
“This festival proves that close cooperation between the government and community organisations can bring great benefits to the well-being of the people,” he said.
He expressed hope that the people will continue to work alongside the government to maintain political stability and ensure the smooth implementation of SMJ 2.0.
“I also hope that the Chinese community will continue to be a strategic partner in driving the state’s development,” he said.
Hajiji said the festival serves as an important platform to preserve, sustain and share the culture and noble values of the Chinese community with all the people.
He said such efforts also create opportunities for local culture to gain wider recognition, including at the international level.
“Even more encouraging, the organisation of this festival promotes participation from various races, in line with Sabah’s identity as a peaceful, harmonious and tolerant state.
“This is our true strength — diversity celebrated together, not differences that divide us,” he said.
Ceasar (centre), leads guests in launching the festival.
