Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor welcomed the RM1.5 billion interim payment of the special grant for Sabah as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday.
“Sabah hopes the monies will be disbursed soonest for the benefit of the people of Sabah,” he said. The Chief Minister also welcomed the Prime Minister’s assurance, during the opening of the Pesta Kaamatan, that the Federal Government will honour the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63).
“It proves that the Federal Government under Anwar is a responsible government that walks the talk. The State Government will work closely with the Federal Government to ensure all the provisions under MA63, especially the 40 per cent special grant will be fulfilled,” he said.
Meanwhile, when closing the 2026 State-level Kaamatan Festival at Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), Sunday, Hajiji stressed that strong unity and togetherness are the core pillars for collective progress and for ensuring Sabah’s development sustainability in line with the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap.
He said this is in keeping with the State Government’s unwavering commitment to intensify efforts to ensure the continued rapid development of the State and the wellbeing of its people.
“Various initiatives are being and will continue to be implemented, including strengthening the State economy through the agenda outlined under the SMJ 2.0.
These efforts include creating more employment opportunities, increasing productivity in the agricultural sector, empowering human capital, enhancing the wellbeing of the people in both rural and urban areas, and advancing the tourism sector through culture.
“In achieving these goals, the Government certainly requires the support and unity of all segments of society in the State to continue working together in developing Sabah,” he said.
He called on the people to remain united and work hand in hand in facing whatever challenges may arise, in line with this year’s celebration theme, “Kaamatan: Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony.”
“This theme is highly significant in the context of the current environment and challenges we are facing. Economic uncertainties, rising cost of living pressures and various other challenges require us to remain united and work together in overcoming any obstacle,” he said.
On the festival, he said it is not merely a cultural celebration, but also an important platform to preserve ethnic traditions from extinction, foster tolerance and strengthen political stability and State development.
“The Kaamatan Festival also reminds us that every successful harvest requires hard work, dedication and effective cooperation. Sabah’s prosperous future will not be built on rhetoric alone, but through hard work, unity, harmony and sincerity among all levels of society.
May Sabah continue to move forward as a peaceful, prosperous, progressive and respected State, founded upon its unique cultural values and strengthened by the unwavering support of its people.”
He expressed pride in the attendance of people from all walks of life and various ethnic communities, as well as presidents of ethnic associations and organisations from throughout Sabah.
“The presence of all of us today is a testament to the strong unity of Sabah’s society. We also extend our appreciation to all tourists who have come to join in this celebration.
This festival is a manifestation of gratitude for a bountiful rice harvest and a symbol of strong racial unity,” he said. Head of State Tun Musa Aman officiated the 2026 State-level Kaamatan Festival closing ceremony.
Present were Hajiji’s wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag; Deputy Chief Minister I cum Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also the 2026 State-level Kaamatan Festival Main Organising Committee Chairman; KDCA President Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong.
