SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF SABAH DATUK SERI PANGLIMA MUSA HAJI AMAN AT THE 18^TH NATIONAL PESTA THE BOYS’ BRIGADE MALAYSIA

DEWAN SERBAGUNA STADIUM LIKAS, ON 31^ST MAY 2008

We are indeed honoured that Sabah is hosting your 18^th National Pesta 2008. Thank you for the kind invitation and the opportunity to speak at this auspicious occasion. I wish to our guests from neighbouring countries and other states across the country. To those who are visiting Sabah for the first time, I must say ‘Selamat Datang Ke Sabah”, the Land Below the wind.

It is my hope that within the next few days, you will explore and enjoy what Sabah has to offer in terms of our unique natural attractions, rich cultural heritage and warm and hospitable people. I hope you will have a chance to see Sabah’s beautiful islands and beaches as well as our lush tropical forest.

At this time of the year Sabahan is celebrating ‘Tadau Kaamatan’ which means harvest Festival in our local dialect. Do spend some time and be a part of this cultural experience. You will learn about the colourful traditions of the Kadazandusuns, one of the 32 ethnic groups in Sabah. Despite such diversity, we in Sabah are able to live side by side, in peace and harmony.

I was informed that the Boys Brigade Pesta happens once every two years with each state in Malaysia taking turnss to host the event. It seem to me that a state would has to wait for 16 years for its turn to host a Boys’ Brigade a National Pesta ! 16 years is a fairly a long time and surely not easy to come by. Therefore, I hope will consider each Pesta as an important event and allow for careful planning before organizing your various activities.

I believe this Pesta is a good platform to foster closer ties and the spirit of camaraderie among members from cities and towns throughout Sabah. In this regard, I wish to congratulate the Boys’ Brigade Malaysia Sabah for taking the challenge to host this 18^th National Pesta. Well done and continue to keep up the good work. You should feel honoured that it is Sabah’s turn to host this event.

People need each other to progress and be socially responsible members of society. I believe that the Boys Brigade as an Non-Government Organization (NGO) can provide guidance and quality leadership to equip the youth of this generation with the necessary physical, mental and social skills for greater task ahead in capacity building to enhance growth as affirmed in your Pesta Theme – “Our Youth Our Future”. I commend the leaders of the Boys’ Brigade Malaysia for playing their role in guiding our younger generation so that they can become productive and have a better future.

As far as the Sabah State Government is concerned I wish to assure you that we will continue to support the cause and activities of registered youth organizations inclulding the Boys’ Brigade in Sabah. On that note, I wish you all an enjoyable and memorable stay in Kota Kinabalu . Thank you.