Happy Kaamatan and Gawai Festival

Malaysia celebrates two festivals simultaneously this week: the Kaamatan (Harvest) and Gawai Festival. The two festivals are celebrated by our brothers and sisters in Sabah and Sarawak, especially amongst the Kadazan Dusun, Iban and Bidayuh communities.

I am very thankful that in this country we are able to celebrate various festivals in harmony, despite the fact that the rakyat consists of a variety of different races and religious beliefs. This spirit of unity has earned the admiration of the international community.

In conjunction with this special week, I would like to give my guarantee that every citizen, regardless of race or religious beliefs, will not be marginalised from the mainstream of development. As I have said before, I am determined to be a Prime Minister who represents all rakyat regardless of their skin colour, religious beliefs or political affiliation.

I would like to wish Happy Kaamatan and Gawai Festival to everyone celebrating them. Let us pray for continuous peace and prosperity in our country.