The Sabah state government will not tolerate insults to cultural heritage especially insults to the famed Sumazau dance

Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Sabah's Paramount Leader of the Kadazan-Dusun or Huguan Siou


Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman, Sabah Chief Minister


The Sumazau dance



Press statement by the right honourable Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman

I am compelled to publicly criticise the ignorant and irresponsible parties behind the blog post that has insulted the Sumazau dance that is very much a part of Sabah’s rich cultural heritage.

We in Sabah are proud of our cultural diversity. We are home to 32 different ethnic groups, each with its own unique identity. Though different from each other and with different backgrounds and religious beliefs, there has always been above it all, respect.

Every culture has its own identity, steeped in tradition and history. The Sumazau is no different and its dance has its own distinctive meaning. At the same time, it is for all occasions and for everybody.

Modern day Sabah is known around the world as a vibrant melting pot of cultures. Our people are peace loving and harmonious. Many families, my own included, have members that are of different race and religion. We are like one big family here in Sabah.

As Chief Minister tasked with the responsibility of leading the state, my administration works hard to ensure this precious peace and racial harmony is protected and safeguarded. Such preservation is vital to developing the state of Sabah and steering our homeland into brighter futures for our children.

I join the outrage voiced by the people of Sabah against any slurs to our culture by irresponsible parties with selfish or malicious agendas. We will not tolerate such disrespect for our cultural values. Those who have no respect for our cultural values are not welcome here.

Meanwhile Sabah's Huguan Siou, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan also issued statement condeming the insults to Sumazau dance.