TAMPARULI: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has called on Sabahans to continue respecting racial and religious differences in order to preserve unity and harmony within the state’s diverse society.
He said true unity can only be achieved when people stand together and appreciate the richness of the state’s multicultural fabric.
“Strong unity is built when we embrace and respect the diversity that exists within our community,” he said when officiating the 2026 Angpow Festival organised by the Chung Fook Tong Association in collaboration with 10 other Chinese associations at Dewan Tun Hamdan here tonight.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.
Hajiji said the State Government remains committed to supporting programmes that promote unity, racial harmony, and social and cultural development, in line with the aspirations of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) agenda.
“This Angpow Festival demonstrates how close cooperation between the government and community organisations can deliver meaningful benefits to the people,” he said.
The Chief Minister also expressed hope that the people would continue to work alongside the government as partners in strengthening unity and maintaining political stability to ensure the well-being of the rakyat and the smooth implementation of the SMJ 2.0 development agenda.
He further encouraged the Chinese community to remain a strategic partner of the State Government in driving Sabah’s progress.
Hajiji noted that the Angpow Festival serves as an important platform to preserve, celebrate and share the cultural heritage and noble values of the Chinese community with all Sabahans.
Such initiatives, he added, also create opportunities for local cultural traditions to gain wider recognition, including at the international level.
“What is even more encouraging is the participation of people from various races in this festival, reflecting Sabah’s identity as a peaceful, harmonious and tolerant state. “This is our true strength — celebrating diversity together, rather than allowing differences to divide us,” he said.
–Ends
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