Harvest Fest unites all, says CM
Tambunan: The Harvest Festival is significant as it could unite all the people in Sabah, including tourists, who come from near and far to celebrate the day together.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said it was good to see so many people of different races and religions together during the opening of the State Level festival, here, Friday.
“We have different races, religions, but we can sit down, eat and drink together, we can celebrate together, we live in peace and harmony. I respect your religion, you respect my religion. No problem. We respect each other’s religion that that is all that matters. Therefore, do not listen to provocations and incitements by some irresponsible people because we in Sabah are unique, we know and respect the culture and religion of our neighbours.
“This is what we have to defend and through culture, through festivities like this, we will continue our noble efforts so that we can continue to live in peace and harmony,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister cum Organising Committee Chairman Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and wife, KDCA Deputy President Datuk Maximus Ongkili, cabinet ministers, heads of departments and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) delegates as special guests.
Musa said the delegates were impressed when they saw the Pisompuruan Square was packed with Sabahans who came from all walks of life but could interact cordially and pleasantly towards one another despite the differences in races and religions.
“This is what we have inherited from our ancestors and which we will continue to practise forever because through this relationship we can create a peaceful atmosphere.”
He added that Harvest Festival is an opportunity for Sabahans to come together and meet with one another in a festive mood and it comes as no surprise that it is a festival that all Sabahans are waiting for every year.
Musa praised Pairin who is also Tambunan Assemblyman for a job well done in overseeing the development and progress of Tambunan.
“I am amazed and happy to see so many agricultural products in Tambunan. Obviously, the district is blessed with fertile lands and the people are very hardworking.
“During my visit here in March, I was given a detailed briefing by the District Officer Thomas Lojigin and I was told that in terms of infrastructure like electricity and water, both are 100 per cent.
“Tambunan also has 86 tagal (river fish conservation) and several thousand acres of grazing fields. Tambunan is one of the best districts in terms of organised development and with a very clear direction where they see themselves in the future,” he said.
He believed that many more can be done in the district especially in tourism due to several potential tourism spots such as the Mahua Waterfall.
Meanwhile, Pairin expressed his gratitude to the government for accepting Tambunan as the district to launch this year’s Harvest Festival.
“The theme ‘Freedom and Unity through Culture’ was chosen because we want to convey the message that we as a multi-racial society must unite and work together for a better future.
“This is what we really want in Sabah,” he said.
For the thousands who thronged Pisompuruan Square, the day started with a choir performance followed by the traditional Magavau ritual performed by priestesses.
All around the Square where the officiating ceremony was held, several “sulap” were erected, representing each mukim in Tambunan district, with each sulap offering food, drinks and entertainment for visitors.
There were more than 100 stalls selling food, drinks, toys and even clothes. One had buffaloes and cows lined up side by side on two posts with just enough space for potential buyers to walk through to view the livestock.
Since it is Kaamatan, alcoholic beverages were aplenty, including the traditional lihing and talak. The much anticipated Unduk Ngadau (beauty) competition got underway at noon.
Source: Daily Express
