CAMARADERIE FOR 8TH CNY CARNIVAL

LAUNCHED.....Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman (4th from right) launched the 8th Chinese New Year Carnival at Lintasan Deasoka, Kota Kinabalu. Accompanying the Chief Minister is Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yee Moh Chai (fifth from right), Datin Vicky Yee and Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir (3rd from left).

By SHALINA R

A MULTITUDE of people from across Sabah's luxuriant cultural, religious and ethnic landscape converged  at Lintasan Deasoka in Kota Kinabalu to take part in the 8th Chinese New Year Carnival yesterday. The carnival was jointly organized by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall and the State Assemblyman for Api-Api.

The festivity reflects the goodwill and  spirit of unity among the people for which Sabah is well known.

Speaking at the celebration , Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman lauded the uniqueness that makes Sabah so special.

“It is sad that some parts of the world are afflicted with so much suffering caused by conflicts and wars. Thank God here in Malaysia, and Sabah in particular, we can carry on with our lives without fear. All of us have a duty to protect the harmony that we enjoy today, and resist any quarter from undermining our  efforts to strengthen unity.”

“The Chinese New Year is an occasion welcomed by all, and is not confined only to the Chinese community that celebrates it. We see people from all ethnicities joining the festivity. We see so many people dressed up not only in the customary traditional attire of the Chinese, but also in red or bright coloured batik and baju kurung, merrily celebrating the spirit of muhibbah.”

WALK ABOUT.....The Chief Minister on his walk about along Gaya Street. He is accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yee Moh Chai.

The Chief Minister's description fits well with Sabrezani S Ghani, 32 , and Oilyn Ghani, 33. In the spirit of the celebration, Sabrezani wore a shirt with trditional Chinese buttons, and Oilyn in red attire.

“We are imbued with the spirit of unity. It is a second nature to us as we come from a mixed ancestry and are accustomed to a mixed culture. Some of my relatives are from the Chinese and others from Indian ancestry and when they celebrate, we celebrate with them,” said Sabrezani. “I think it is important for us to preserve this aspect of Sabah’s culture.”

Even as he spoke about cultural unity at Lintasan Deasoka in the middle of Kota Kinabalu City, the Chief Minister did not forget the less opulant parts of rural Sabah.

“The government is aware that we must provide development for all, and for this reason, a lot of attention is given to rural areas. Efforts are on-going to bridge regional gaps, and to reduce the level of poverty. We are committed to ensuring holistic development regardless of political affiliation, race and other factors. However, in order for plans to succeed, we need the cooperation and commitment of all,” he said.

Many foreign tourists were also attracted to the lively carnival. Thirty year old Naomi Rowan from England was pleased to find herself in the celebration at Lintasan Deasoka. “The atmosphere at this carnival is fantastic and the people are also so friendly,” she said.

As for Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir, the evening's festivity brought extra joy when the  Chief Minister took the occasion to announce his  re-appointment as Mayor of Kota Kinabalu for another term. Abidin  was first appointed as the third Mayor of Sabah’s capital city in 2011.

Originally from Ranau, he served as Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing before being appointed Mayor. With the Chief Minister's announcement his term has been extended for another 2 years. (Insight Sabah)