Hajiji accompanying Tun Musa during performing the popoo’pi pa’ai doid tangkob (rice storage) ceremony, held as a symbolic event marking the closing of the 2026 State-Level Kaamatan Festival.
PENAMPANG: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has called on the people of Sabah to continue strengthening unity and togetherness, describing them as the fundamental pillars of collective progress and the sustainability of the state’s development under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap.
He said the State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to intensify efforts to ensure Sabah’s continued rapid development and the well-being of its people.
“Various initiatives are being and will continue to be implemented, including strengthening the state economy through the agenda outlined under the Sabah SMJ 2.0 Roadmap. These efforts include creating more employment opportunities, increasing productivity in the agricultural sector, empowering human capital, enhancing the well-being of the people in both rural and urban areas, and advancing the tourism sector through culture.
“In achieving these goals, the government certainly requires the support and unity of all segments of society in the state to continue working together in developing Sabah,” he said at the 2026 State-level Kaamatan Festival closing ceremony at Hongkod Koisaan Hall, KDCA, here today.
Hajiji accompanying Tun Musa during visiting the Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry’s (MAFFI) exhibition booth.
The Chief Minister urged the people to remain united and work hand in hand in addressing any challenges that may arise, in line with this year’s celebration theme, “Kaamatan: Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony.”
“This theme is highly significant in the context of the current environment and challenges we are facing. Economic uncertainties, rising cost-of-living pressures and various other challenges require us to remain united and work together in overcoming any obstacle,” he said.
Speaking on the significance of the festival, Hajiji said the Kaamatan Festival is not merely a cultural celebration but also an important platform for preserving ethnic traditions, fostering tolerance, and strengthening political stability and state development.
“The Kaamatan Festival also reminds us that every successful harvest requires hard work, dedication and effective cooperation. Sabah’s prosperous future will not be built on rhetoric alone, but through hard work, unity, harmony and sincerity among all levels of society.
“May Sabah continue to move forward as a peaceful, prosperous, progressive and respected state, founded upon its unique cultural values and strengthened by the unwavering support of its people,” he said.
Hajiji also expressed pride in the strong turnout from people of all backgrounds and ethnic communities, as well as presidents of ethnic associations and organisations from across Sabah.
“The presence of all of us today is a testament to the strong unity of Sabah’s society. We also extend our appreciation to all tourists who have come to join in this celebration. This festival is a manifestation of gratitude for a bountiful rice harvest and a symbol of strong racial unity,” he said.
Sabah Head of State Tun (Dr) Musa Aman officiated the closing ceremony of the 2026 State-level Kaamatan Festival.
Also present were the Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Hajah Juliah Salag; Deputy Chief Minister I cum Works and Utilities Minister, who is also Chairman of the 2026 State-Level Kaamatan Festival Main Organising Committee Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam; Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) President Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan; and State Secretary, Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong.
