KOTA KINABALU: An ethnic language month has been proposed as a way to promote and preserve the native languages of Sabah.

       "We have so many dialects, local languages from many ethnic groups, we should (devote) a month to commemorate our diverse groups among ourselves," said Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, the Huguan Siou (paramount leader) of the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) community.

       "I think all of us want to see our native languages promoted.

       "So I suggest (that we) pick one month of promotion and development of the native languages of Sabah, as this will benefit us ... the more knowledge (of the languages) we have, the better," he said during the start of the month-long Kaamatan harvest festival celebration at Keningau Handicraft Centre on Sunday (May 1).

       The event was launched by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and was also attended by former chief minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

       Pairin also commended the state government for supporting Kaamatan as a unity programme to foster ties among the diverse communities of Sabah.

       The former Keningau MP also revived an old proposal for a cultural village project in the district.

       "I believe the district office has land that could be used for this purpose. This project could also create many job opportunities.

       "We could take an example of the one in Sarawak, so hopefully this suggestion will be taken positively," Pairin added.

       Both suggestions were backed by Deputy Chief Minister and state-level Kaamatan main committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

       Jeffrey, the current Keningau MP, said a permanent structure in the district to host festivals such as Kaamatan was something to look forward to.

       In his speech, he highlighted the uniqueness of Sabah bumiputra who learn about one another's culture and customs.

       "Cultural heritage is very important to an ethnic group, if they lose it they would lose the group’s identity. That is why the younger generation must get to know their own culture," he added.

       Jeffrey, who is state Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, said the government is also planning to develop the interior district as a food and fruit valley, equipped with a collection, processing and marketing centre.

       "This is based on the potential and space within Keningau as a natural tourism and agricultural destination," he added.