James accepting a souvenir from Limus
KUALA PENYU: Make the celebration of the Kaamatan Festival a starting point to boost the economic level of ourselves and society in order to guarantee a better future for all, said Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-being Datuk James Ratib.
“The celebration of the Kaamatan Festival that we celebrate every year, is a reminder to all parties to work harder to increase success and further preserve the security of food resources in this state.
“It very much coincides with this year’s Kaamatan theme, which is ‘Kaamatan Beyond Food Security’, where this theme refers to the importance and deeper implications of ensuring food security goes beyond the issue of meeting basic nutritional needs,” he said.
Traditionally, said James, the Kaamatan Festival is one of the best opportunities to strengthen the spirit of unity and belonging not only among leaders and people from the Kadazandusun, Murut, Rungus (KDMR) communities.
“Even the diversity and uniqueness of local customs and culture are also felt and shared by people from various tribes, religions and cultures in this state.
“Indeed, we are very grateful because even though our society is made up of various tribes and ethnicities, we have been able to live in a calm, peaceful and harmonious atmosphere,” he said.
James who is also the Sugut Assemblyman said this in conjunction with the Kuala Penyu District Level Kaamatan Festival held at Dewan Dato’ Shah Bandar Makang, Kuala Penyu on Saturday.
He expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Kuala Penyu Assemblyman Datuk Limus Jury, for inviting him to officiate the 2024 Kuala Penyu District Level Kaamatan Celebration.
Meanwhile, he said much thanks to the government that exists today because it is always committed to further improve the socioeconomic status of the people by driving development in all corners of the state, including in the Kuala Penyu area.
“This effort was made possible through the implementation of various policies and agendas under the state government under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) led by Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
“Therefore, it is my great hope that together we can maintain this positive spirit because it makes a great and meaningful contribution to political stability and economic development in various fields, especially in the Kuala Penyu district.
“What is important is for the people to always give solid support to the government’s efforts in defending the fate of the people by ensuring that every implementation of the planned development program can run smoothly,” he said.
James expressed his congratulations and thanks to all parties, especially the chairman and members of the implementing committee of the Kuala Penyu District Level Kaamatan Festival for successfully organizing the event.
