16/06/2012 (Bernama) - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tonight said that the harmonious relations between Sabah and the federal government had brought bountiful development for the state and its people.

He said the theme for this year's Tadau Kaamatan Malaysia Open House, "1Malaysia Harmony", was apt as it reflected the abundance of development and wealth enjoyed by Sabah.

"More importantly, this is because the Sabah government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and the federal government under my leadership, have a very harmonious relationship," he said when opening the Tadau Kaamatan Malaysia Open House at the Keningau Sports Complex.

Also present at the function which drew about 15,000 people, were Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Najib said Sabah was experiencing rapid development with the implementation of various projects, including the construction of the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) project, an aquaculture project in Semporna and a urea fertiliser project in Sipitang. Another big project in Sabah, said Najib, was the Keningau Integrated Livestock Centre, costing RM763 million, in Sook.

"It is apt we choose harmony. Harmony between the leaders and the people is also a form of harmony. Harmony between people is also harmony. Our good relations with the officers is also harmony. So, if everything is harmonious, God willing, we can ensure success of the country's transformation process."

Najib said the 1Malaysia concept could bring greater harmony, not only between the Sabah government and federal government, but also among the people of various races and beliefs because "1Malaysia is not just about tolerance but much higher than that, that is, accepting the differences that exist".

He said the Barisan Nasional government would ensure that the people would continue to reap the benefits and this situation could only be enjoyed if relations between the people and the government was harmonious.