Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor hopes the people will continue to give their strong support and become partners in realising the State Government’s development agenda.
“My aspiration as the Chief Minister is to chart a development pathway for Sabah and its people.
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“Therefore, continuous support is vital to ensure the continuity of development for the people and the State,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Sunday.
His speech was read by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.
Hajiji said according to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, usually associated with change, innovation and courage, and great opportunities.
“Therefore, the spirit and energy of the Year of the Horse should be harnessed collectively to bring about greater economic development, social progress and improved wellbeing for the people of this State.
“The State Government wishes to share this vision of hope and will move forward by continuing its development agenda to revitalise the economy, implement plans and seek good opportunities for the State and its people,” he said.
Hajiji also commended the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association Kota Kinabalu (USCCAKK) for organising the 2026 Chinese New Year Dragon, Unicorn and Lion Dance Festival in conjunction with the Chinese New Year 2026 celebration.
He said USCCAKK has consistently organised this event over recent years, making it an annual cultural celebration that is eagerly anticipated not only by the Chinese community but also by Sabah’s diverse communities. He said this annual event also serves as a platform to promote tolerance and mutual acceptance in building a shared future.
“That is why cultural and festive celebrations among Sabah’s communities of different religions, ethnicities and cultures form a unique identity of the State.
“In Sabah, cultural and festive celebrations of each group have become traditions. They help make unity and harmony stronger among Sabah’s many different communities,” Hajiji said.
Meanwhile, USCCAKK President Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen said the annual auspicious event held more than three weeks ahead of the Lunar New Year on Feb 17, serves as a cultural signal that preparations for the celebrations are well under way.
She said the festival has been organised annually by USCCAKK for more than 40 years and has since become a signature Chinese New Year cultural event in Kota Kinabalu.
“This festival tells everyone that Chinese New Year is just around the corner and it is time to get ready to celebrate.
“2026 marks the Year of the Horse in the Chinese calendar, symbolising good fortune, wealth and prosperity, and we hope the New Year would bring good health, happiness and success to all,” she said.
Susan said this event would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of the dragon, unicorn and lion dance troupes, who train tirelessly to hone their skills.
“The event draws participation of 124 troupes comprising 58 lion dance troupes, 33 dragon teams and 35 unicorn teams,” she added.
She said organising the free-admission event required substantial manpower and funding, and expressed appreciation to the Sabah Government, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu and generous sponsors for their continued support.
She extended special thanks to the Sabah Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, as well as China’s Consul General in Kota Kinabalu, Dr Zhu Xinglong, for their strong financial support to USCCAKK.
