Lively Harvest Festival Celebrations Show Sabah's Cultural Diversity

PENAMPANG (Sabah,Malaysia), May 30 (Bernama) -- The Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) 2012 in Sabah, the easternmost state of Malaysia, was celebrated in a lively and harmonious atmosphere and showed the cultural diversity of the bumiputera community in the state which is considered to be a role model for the 1Malaysia concept. The celebration held on an outdooor stage at the Hongkod Koisaan compound here, highlighted the cultures of almost all the state's communities through various artistic and traditional dance performances. This included the launch programme for Traditional Sports in conjunction with this year's celebration with the theme "Love for Culture Produces a Passionate Society" officiated by Sabah Chief Minister, Musa Aman. During the launch, Musa, who is also state Finance Minister, said he was prepared to increase fund allocations for next year's Harvest Festival. "The involvement from all parties to make this programme a success clearly proves that the spirit of unity, harmony and goodwill amongst the state's communities is something truly to be proud of," he said. However, Musa reminded the people to sustain the peace they are currently enjoying as this peaceful and stable environment was not something that naturally existed. The top event at the celebration was the Unduk Ngadau or Miss Harvest Festival, which is the main attraction for the celebration every year. Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is also the organising committee chairman, was also present. The State Speaker Juhar Mahiruddin is scheduled to officiate the closing ceremony for the Harvest Festival at the same venue tomorrow. -- BERNAMA