PAPAR: Unity demands implementation in reality so that our society continues to enjoy harmony and prosperity, said the Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-being (KPMKR), Datuk James Bin RatibHe who is also the Chairman of the Sabah State Unity Action Committee, said that unity demands a very high sacrifice, therefore the effort to achieve unity is a long and winding journey.
“The quest for unity is a journey not a destination. Therefore, we must always correct our intentions and strengthen our joint efforts to ensure that Sabah remains a nation with a strong core of unity.
“This is important to carry out, not only for the current generation, but for the sake of our children’s future,” he explained, who is also the Sugut Assemblyman.
He said this in conjunction with the Opening Ceremony of the Sabah State Unity Week 2023 which was held at the Papar Community Hall on Saturday.
“As KPMKR Minister and Chairman of the Sabah State Unity Action Committee, I express my appreciation and thanks to the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties), Datuk Armizan Bin Mohd. Ali for being able to be with us today.”
I also welcome the presence of all the people who come from all the districts in the state of Sabah, especially the members of the Neighbor Group.
“Thank you for the solid commitment and the best cooperation that has been given with all agencies, especially Papar District Officers, KRT, NGOs and communities inside and outside Papar district,” he said.According to James, the Ministry of National Unity has produced a framework for civil Malaysian unity through the concept of unity in diversity.
Through this framework, he said, the civil Malaysian unity campaign has been made the main flagship of the ministry in achieving national unity.
“Our program today, which is the celebration of unity week 2023, is an initiative under the bright unity cluster which aims to fuel the spirit of unity and spread knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the diversity of customs and cultures in society in the state of Sabah in particular,” he said.
In conjunction with the celebration, an exhibition of houses made up of various ethnicities such as Rungus Houses, Chinese Houses, Indian Houses, Brunei Community Houses, Bajau Houses, Kadazan Dusun Houses, Murut Houses and Bisaya Houses was also featured.In addition, various interesting activities that can foster community harmony through moments of unity have been and are being implemented.
Meanwhile, James added that the three main clusters of the Malaysia Madani Unity Campaign are nationalism, unity and community harmony.
“Each of these clusters has the main purpose of fostering the spirit of belonging and togetherness in the community through efforts to dignify the country’s pillars, celebrating differences in diversity.
“This is done through elements such as culture, education and recreation as well as providing an approach to catalyze the well-being and harmony of the community covering aspects of the economy, health, well-being, culture and the environment.
“Through the implementation of programs under the Department of National Unity and National Integration, I would like to invite all the people of Sabah to set aside differences and strengthen the values of consensus to strengthen national unity,” he explained.As the Chairman of the Sabah State Unity Action Committee, James hopes that Malaysia in general and the State of Sabah in particular, continue to prosper and remain strong as a united and harmonious nation and state.ENDPIX: