Sabah and Hungary plan tourism tie-up
Envoy: Cultural exchange plans in the works
KOTA KINABALU: Hungary and Sabah are planning a tie-up in tourism and cultural exchange, besides business dealings.
Hungarian Ambassador to Malaysia Attila Kali said there were many aspects in which his country could work with Sabah.
“From what I have seen here, Sabah is unique in so many ways, just like Hungary. I was introduced to the various cultures of Sabah, its lifestyle and so many other interesting elements,” he said after meeting the Kadazandusun community here yesterday.
Kali, who arrived here on Monday, said it was important to note that Sabah was very much involved in the preservation of its diverse cultures, as was the case with Hungary.
“This is definitely one of the things we can work together in,” he added.
The envoy said he had met State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and members of the various chambers of commerce.
At the meeting with the Kadazandusun community at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association here, Kali was treated to traditional performances besides being served local food and drinks.
Kali also met with veteran folk singer Datuk Justin Stimol who had written a poem titled Kahagaasan (freedom) for the Hungarians 51 years ago to mark the anniversary of the Revolution and Freedom Fight of 1956.
Last year, Stimol and his wife were invited to Budapest to witness the anniversary of the revolution.
“This year, I am here to visit Sabah as part of our cultural reciprocity,” said Kali.
Stimol, who was a Radio Sabah programmer and singer-songwriter in the 60s, said he wrote the poem at the request of his former boss, the late Datuk Fred Sinidol.
Sinidol had received a request from government officer Simon Sipaun (now Tan Sri) who had a Hungarian friend working at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at that time.