Ewon, representing the Chief Minister, (third right) presenting a prize to the winner of the Murut Cultural Procession held in conjunction with the Kalimaran Festival in Tenom today.
TENOM: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor wants the Kalimaran Festival to be further strengthened in the future through the participation of more local entrepreneurs and tourism industry players.
He said the organisation of the festival was also in line with the State Government’s efforts to ensure that every district in Sabah develops tourism products and experiences with its own distinct identity in preparation for Visit Sabah Year 2027.
“The festival will further strengthen the cultural tourism industry while providing opportunities for local communities to market their products and boost the rural community economy.
“We want to see greater participation from small business operators, local entrepreneurs, handicraft practitioners, food operators, homestay operators and tourism industry players,” he said at the opening ceremony of Ilau Kalimaran (Kalimaran Festival) at Dewan Datuk Seri Panglima Antanom here on Saturday. His speech delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III cum Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Hajiji also urged young people, particularly the younger generation of the Murut community, not to forget their respective ethnic cultures, but instead regard them as a source of strength and opportunity.
“Do not regard traditional culture as something outdated. Instead, make culture a source of strength and opportunity. Use digital technology and social media to introduce Murut culture to the world.
“Document our dances, music, attire, food, language, folklore and customs. We want to see the younger generation become ambassadors of Sabah’s culture.
“If we do not take steps to preserve our culture today, we may lose part of our identity in the future,” he said.
He said the younger generation of the Murut community should also continue to remember Datuk Seri Panglima Ontoros bin Endoi @ Antanom, who symbolises courage, steadfastness and the spirit of struggle.
“However, the spirit of Antanom that we wish to inherit is not merely about the courage to fight, but also about dignity, self-respect, leadership, loyalty to the homeland and love for the community.
“These values remain highly relevant in our lives today. I want the spirit of Antanom to continue inspiring Sabah’s younger generation to become people who cherish their homeland, uphold unity, have the courage to face challenges, are knowledgeable and skilled, possess a strong identity and always contribute to the State and country,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government was committed to ensuring that the cultural heritage of all ethnic communities in Sabah continued to be preserved, documented and promoted.
“This is in line with the State Government’s efforts to strengthen the mapping and documentation of Sabah’s ethnic cultures to ensure the State’s cultural diversity remains a treasured heritage for future generations,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the State Government intended to continue empowering Kemabong through the development of agriculture, entrepreneurship, tourism, infrastructure and the local economy.
He said major events such as the Kalimaran Festival could also help promote Kemabong as a cultural and tourism destination with its own distinct identity in Sabah.
“I believe that through close cooperation between the State Government, government agencies, community leaders and strong public support, Kemabong will continue to develop and enjoy the benefits of progress,” he said.
Hajiji also called on everyone to use the Kalimaran Festival as an opportunity to strengthen brotherhood and unity.
“Let us continue to safeguard the peace, harmony and stability of this State. We must not allow our differences to become a cause of division.
“I believe that with unity and stability, we can continue our development agenda through Sabah Maju Jaya,” he said.
