Kamarlin: Our rich culture highly praised by tourists

Kota Kinabalu: The country is lucky to have a rich culture that is highly praised by foreign visitors, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Kamarlin Ombi.

He said Sabah itself has over 32 ethnic groups which are rich in art and culture that can be easily promoted.

Kamarlin said many tourists also have praised the country for having culture that have long been preserved and respected whereas in many western countries these have been lost.

"I believe this was because many of the cultures and traditions in western countries were not sustained and many people were more taken by modernisation."

He said this at the closing of the Empowering the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Seminar at University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) on Sunday.

UCSF Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Dg Aminah Ali on the other hand said the seminar was to help NGOs improve the organisations' management thought and facilitating the NGOs in the their process of acquiring funds. 

"The programme was to help NGOs identify agencies and organisations where they may be able to attain funds concerning art and cultural activities.

"It was also to give exposure to the NGOs of the many channels the NGOs may go to get the funds."

Kamarlin also thanked the National Culture and Art Department (JKKN) for organising the seminar in collaboration with UCSF.

He also called on NGOs to further collaborate with government agencies in the aspect of acquiring funds.

"Asking for funds is very challenging what more with many artists now preferring to sell their works through social media," he said.

He added that disharmony among races happen when they lack understanding of each other's culture.

"Therefore, this seminar also becomes a platform to unite all other races; to interact with each other.

"I believe Sabah is one good example of 1Malaysia because before 1Malaysia even existed, for years already we have seen all sorts of races in Sabah living and working together."

The two-day seminar which began on June 13 attracted over 80 different NGOs

 

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