Kota Kinabalu: Asean delegates were treated to cultural songs, dances and local cuisine during a welcoming dinner reception in conjunction with the 21st Senior Officials Meeting for Culture and Arts, here, Tuesday.
“Sabah’s cultural diversity, with more than 30 indigenous groups, shows what Asean unity in diversity is all about,” Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan told the delegates which included partners from China, Japan and South Korea.
“Sabah is more than just stunning natural beauty, from the heights of Mount Kinabalu to its pristine marine parks, it is a living laboratory of cultural unity in diversity,” he said.
He said Sabah’s mix of cultures reflects what Malaysia and Asean are all about, with each indigenous group bringing their own languages, customs and traditional crafts.
He urged the delegates to take time off from meetings to explore what Sabah has to offer and pointed out one feature of the State, saying “In Sabah, you will not hear ‘lah’, instead you will hear the word ‘bah’. It is our trademark.
“You are in Sabah at a very interesting time, as we hold our state elections, a lot of exciting things will be happening. It will be a good opportunity for you all to experience how elections are held in another member state,” he added.
He also made sure delegates got to try Hinava during the welcoming dinner reception.
“I specifically requested Hinava to be served to you. It is a traditional dish of the Kadazan-Dusun people, one of many native communities in Sabah. I hope you will try it and that you enjoy it as much as we do,” he said.
Delegates were also treated to traditional songs and dances featuring Sabah’s rich cultural heritage during the evening.
The meeting comes as Malaysia wraps up its AMCA Chairmanship that started in October 2024. Senior culture and arts officials are meeting to discuss working together in the region and plans for Asean Community Vision 2045.
“Since Malaysia assumed AMCA Chairmanship in October last year, it has been a meaningful journey. We have deepened collaboration, strengthened cultural identity, and advanced our shared vision of a vibrant Asean Community.
“I commend the initiatives that have been realised under both Asean and the Asean Plus Three Work Plan on Cooperation in Culture and the Arts which have been instrumental in strengthening people to-people exchanges.
“As we have also adopted the Asean Community Vision 2045, along with the four Strategic Plans, we have opened doors to strategic cooperation with a dynamic and resilient regional bloc. Our post-2025 Culture and Arts Work Plan must be in sync with the 2045 aspirations,” he said.
Khairul also acknowledged tough times some delegations are facing, offering condolences for the passing of the Queen Mother and the devastation left by Typhoon Kalmeigi.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Malaysia, know that we stand by you during these difficult times,” he said.
