Kota Kinabalu: Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, extended Kaamatan greetings to Sabahans celebrating the Harvest Festival, describing it as a meaningful cultural celebration rooted in gratitude, heritage and unity.
In his Kaamatan 2026 message, Musa said the annual celebration on May 30 and 31 reflects Sabah’s rich cultural legacy, resilience and the enduring spirit of togetherness among its people.
He said, although the role of padi cultivation has evolved with modernisation and changing times, the essence of Kaamatan as a celebration of thanksgiving, mutual respect and unity remains unchanged.
Musa said Sabah’s diversity, comprising more than 30 ethnic groups and numerous sub-ethnic communities, remains one of the State’s greatest strengths and has enabled Kaamatan to grow into a festival embraced by people of all backgrounds.
He said the harmony and understanding long enjoyed in Sabah should continue to be safeguarded by rejecting divisive elements, extremist ideologies and narrow sentiments that could undermine unity and goodwill.
As Sabah pursues greater economic growth and development, he said, continued attention should be given to education, skills training, infrastructure development, digital connectivity and economic opportunities, particularly in rural and interior areas, to ensure no community is left behind.
Musa said the younger generation must be equipped with knowledge, discipline, resilience and positive values, while cultural traditions, indigenous heritage, languages, arts and customs should continue to be preserved and appreciated as part of Sabah’s identity.
He called on Sabahans to use the occasion to give thanks for the blessings they enjoy and to further strengthen unity, compassion and mutual care to ensure Sabah remains peaceful, progressive and prosperous for all.
