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PUTATAN: Chinese New Year celebrations should serve as a platform for communities here to appreciate cultural diversity and strengthen ties, said Putatan MP Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.

He said the celebration by the Chinese community symbolises Sabah’s racial harmony and unity.

Shahelmey said this foundation of unity can drive the State’s progress in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 (SMJ 2.0) aspirations under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said the district remains committed to serving all communities, including Bumiputera and Chinese residents, and noted that continuous human capital development through education and training is a key agenda of SMJ 2.0.

Shahelmey, who is also Sabah Oil and Gas Development Corporation (SOGDC) chairman, said this after officiating the 2026 Chinese New Year Carnival of SJKC Hwa Shiong on Thursday, where he noted that about 90 per cent of the school’s pupils are Bumiputera and 10 per cent Chinese, describing it as a positive development reflecting growing awareness of the benefits of Chinese-medium education.