Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman posing for a group photograph with Chinese leaders on his arrival to officiate at the Lion, Unicorn and Dragon Dance Festival held in Likas Sports Complex Multi Purpose hall on Saturday.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government has acknowledged the importance of community programmes, such as the Chinese New Year Carnival, as it serves as a platform to unite people of various races and faiths.
Apart from attracting locals to mingle, such annual events have become a programme that tourists look forward to.
“Take the Chinese New Year Carnival that features stalls at Gaya Street as an example, it is one that is well attended by people from all walks of life, and not only by the Chinese community. I understand that this annual event attracts thousands of visitors, including tourists who happen to be in Kota Kinabalu,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman when launching the CNY Carnival at Lintasan Deasoka, last night.
And for these reasons, the State Government provides allocation to Kota Kinabalu City Hall (KKCH) to organise the carnival, as well as others such as Christmas and Harvest Festival at Lintasan Deasoka and Gaya Street.
“I congratulate KKCH for creating a strategic space for these types of carnivals, which are readily accessible to tourists at nearby hotels and to those who live close to the city and nearby districts,” he said in his speech read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah.
The CNY Carnival is jointly organised by KKCH and the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS).
“I would like to encourage other Chinese associations to emulate the effort carried out by the FCAS, by organising more of such events in the state.
He said the event is timely with Visit Malaysia Year 2014 and urged City Hall to carry out more cultural and community events.
“Such events can help highlight the unique cultures and diversity that we in Sabah are blessed with. I am sure both locals and visitors from outside Sabah will appreciate and gain from understanding our diverse traditions through these types of events.
“I also hope to see support from the private sector and non-governmental organisations in ensuring the success of Visit Malaysia Year and events that institutions such as City Hall come up with. The cooperation of all stakeholders is vital in order to organise more community events that will also further boost Kota Kinabalu’s image as a city that caters for the needs of people from all walks of life,” he said,
Musa added that as the gateway to Sabah, the city plays an important role in creating a positive first impression.
“I urge City Hall to continue their efforts to ensure that the city is well maintained in terms of cleanliness, and that you continue with beautification efforts. The anti-litter bug campaign must be stepped up as part of efforts to raise awareness on the importance of keeping our city clean,” he said.
He also hoped that the public will cooperate with City Hall and other local authorities in keeping the surroundings clean.
Sabah is known for its flora and fauna and natural attractions, and it would be meaningless to promote Sabah as a destination that offers such products if its citizens are unable to keep the state clean.
Also present were Mayor Datuk Abidin Mandingkir and FCAS president Datuk Seri T C Goh.