KOTA KINABALU: Some RM14mil has been allocated for cultural development in Sabah, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Chief Minister said of the amount, RM9.5mil was set aside by the state government for the Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS) while the rest came from the Federal Government under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
He said the state has set seven priorities in cultural development, to be carried out between 2021 and 2030.
“The priorities are arts and culture digitalisation (eCulture), integrated cultural tourism, preservation of culture, strengthening of ethnic relations, protection of intellectual property, research and documentation as well as expansion of arts and culture.
“They are in line with initiatives under the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan involving various ethnic groups in the state.
“Through these priorities, we want all cultural bodies and the community to develop together, internalise the cultural values and subsequently pass them on to the next generation,” Hajiji said at the launch of the 38th National Chinese Cultural Festival here on Sunday night.
He was represented at the event by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
Hajiji also said the state government welcomed efforts to hold cultural activities, including the National Chinese Cultural Festival organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia.