TAWAU: More dialogues and intellectual discourse are needed in Sabah to cultivate a progressive Sabahan identity that is globally competitive without sacrificing religious values and cultural heritage.
State Youth, Sports Development and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said Sabah urgently needs open-minded citizens capable of navigating globalisation while preserving unity among its multiracial community.
“Community members, including youths, are reminded to keep an open mind but must have their own framework of thinking without blindly following outside influences that do not benefit national harmony.
“Events happening at the global level are beyond our control, but their effects can be felt. We must make the best, most critical assessments, safeguard unity and not blame one another for the sake of our beloved nation’s peace,” he said.
He said this to reporters after officiating the Tawau Zone Intellectual Discourse Programme organised by the United Sabah Islamic Association (Usia) at the Dewan Masyarakat Tawau.
He praised the event, saying it aligned with efforts to build a progressive Sabahan identity grounded in strong critical thinking and wise decision-making.
“The insights from panelists of diverse backgrounds provided ideas, views and analysis that are highly engaging and free of rhetoric, deepening our understanding of current challenges in a thorough and comprehensive way.
“Exposure to the realities of international geopolitical issues, coupled with encouragement for every participant to think critically and verify speculations or viral information before accepting it outright, is a very important takeaway,” he said.
Nizam hopes the knowledge and understanding shared at the forum will be applied in daily life, enabling participants to face global challenges without being swayed by negative influences and to act wisely and maturely for Sabah’s future.
He added that his Ministry stood ready to support similar discourse programmes, which he said are in line with the development agendas of both the Federal Government under the Prime Minister and the State Government under the Chief Minister.
The initiative, organised by Usia in strategic collaboration with several non-governmental organisations and local dakwah bodies in Tawau, Kalabakan, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu, brought together grassroots leaders, youths and homegrown Sabahan thinkers to explore shared development potential.
Also present were Usia President Datuk Sapawi Ahmad, among others.
