By WU VUIDE
TUARAN: The new Hakka Mini Museum will help preserve and promote the rich heritage of Sabah’s Hakka community, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“This is a highly significant and timely initiative. It has the potential to become a reference centre and repository for Hakka history and culture,” he said.
His speech was read by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun at the opening of the Tuaran District Hakka Association’s new building and mini museum.
Hajiji said the museum would house historical artefacts, recordings of the Hakka language, the history and costumes of the unicorn dance, and heritage recipes.
“It is not just about preserving treasures for future generations. It is about bridging heritage of the past with aspirations for the future,” he said.
The museum will give young people and visitors a chance to learn about the Hakka community’s contribution to Sabah’s history and identity, he added.
Cultural diversity, he said, is a treasure that must be preserved.
“Unity in diversity is a strength we must uphold for a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous Sabah.”
Hajiji noted that the Hakka community has played a vital role in Sabah’s socio-economic development since their arrival in 1883.
He said associations like the Tuaran District Hakka Association serve not only to preserve culture and identity, but also as bridges between communities.
He urged the association to focus on youth development, cultural activities and community programmes.
The State Government, he said, values the role of community organisations and will continue to work with them, the private sector and the people to improve well-being.
He congratulated the association, adding that the mini museum will become a new tourist attraction for Tuaran.
Ceasar and guests at the opening of the Tuaran Hakka Association’s new building and Hakka Mini Museum.
