Maintain culture, ethnic identity, and sub-ethnic identity more proactively

Dr Joachim greeted by celebrants

11 Mei 2025

TONGOD: The multi-ethnic community in Sabah has been urged to be more proactive in promoting and preserving their cultural heritage and identities as an effort to strengthen harmony and unity within the state.

The Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, stated that these efforts are essential to ensure that cultural heritage does not fade away in the face of modernization and globalization.

"Every ethnic group and sub-ethnic group in this state should take pride in the cultural identities passed down through generations and intensify efforts to showcase their uniqueness.

“We must defend the uniqueness of our culture as the Kadazan Dusun Murut and Rungus (KDMR) people and take pride in having a unique culture in our own regions... and that is what we need to uphold in terms of clothing, music, and traditional customs,” he said during the opening of the 2025 Kaamatan Festival at the Kampung Entilibon hall on 10 May.

Dr. Joachim, who is also the Minister of Local Government and Housing, remarked that harmonious relationships among ethnic groups are key to facing various challenges that may disrupt the stability of the nation.

He stated that cooperation and mutual respect among communities from diverse backgrounds are the pillars of stability, peace, and progress in the state of Sabah.

According to him, celebrations like the Kaamatan Festival serve as a platform for uniting various ethnic communities and symbolise the richness of culture and the spirit of togetherness among the people of Sabah.

Dr. Joachim expressed his appreciation to the Member of the Kuamut Assemblyman, Datuk Masiung Banah, and the organising committee led by the District Officer of Tongod, Yuesri Ismail Yusof, as well as all who attended, urging the people to continue fostering the spirit of unity and togetherness.

Dr. Joachim also praised the organisation of the district-level Kaamatan Festival, stating that it not only invigorates cultural heritage but also contributes to the local economic development.

He mentioned that the government is very concerned about development in all districts, including Tongod, and called upon all attendees at the event to support the current government in governing the state of Sabah.

“Give the current government a chance. Overall, in five years with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government, we have managed to increase state revenue to nearly 7 billion in 2023 and 2024. This revenue is returned to the people through various aid programmes that benefit all layers of society,” he said.

The Tongod district Kaamatan Festival is being celebrated over three days, starting from 7 May.

The opening ceremony was also enlivened with various cultural performances, craft exhibitions, and the Unduk Ngadau competition at the district level.

He urged all segments of society to continue to celebrate Kaamatan at all levels, including in villages, schools, and organisations.

"This year's theme, 'Kaamatan for All', is very appropriate to reflect the reality of the diverse communities in Sabah living peacefully and harmoniously," he said.

Meanwhile, Yuesri expressed his gratitude to Dr. Joachim for attending the event.

In his speech, Yuesri thanked Dr. Joachim for, through the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, allocating finances to upgrade the Entilibon hall, which is now in a better and more comfortable condition than before.

"I greatly appreciate the contribution from the government through KKTP, which has been a key pillar in the success of this festival."

In a separate programme, Dr. Joachim, accompanied by the Political Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister II and Telupid Assemblyman, Datuk Jonneybone Kurum, officially launched the Kaamatan Festival at the Mukim Pekan level, which was held in Kg. Bauto Telupid.