Pairin expresses his gratitude to Dr Mahathir
Friday, 30 May 2003 (Source: Utusan Malaysia)

KUALA LUMPUR - Kadazandusun Cultural Association President Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan Friday expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his Kaamatan Festival message.

"I have read the message from the Right Honourable Prime Minister and on behalf of the Sabah people, especially the Kadazandusun community, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to him," Pairin said in his speech at the KDCA-Huguan Siou Kaamatan Open House 2003.

Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman was the guest of honour at the event, which was also attended by state and federal cabinet ministers.

The Prime Minister and Datin Seri Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali Thursday sent greetings to the Kadazandusun and Murut communities in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival being celebrated in Sabah Friday and Saturday.

The Prime Minister said the festival to celebrate harvesting by the Kadazandusun and Murut communities was also known among other communities in the country.

"This shows that the country does not discriminate against or marginalise any ethnic group in Malaysia in practising their customs, traditions or beliefs," the Prime Minister had said in his message.

Pairin, who is "Huguan Siou" or paramount chief in the Kadazandusun community said the association would continue to work with the government to make the Kaamatan Festival a unifying factor among the different communities in the country.

"The projection of various cultures will help integrate the country's multi-racial society," added Pairin.