KOTA KINABALU: The State Government welcomes once again the MV Doulos Hope to Sabah’s shore with its mission to share knowledge and bring people together for a common cause.
“We are delighted to host you again since your last visit here two years ago. Each time the Doulos comes to our shores, it brings a certain excitement, and this occasion is no different. It is an event that many eagerly anticipate,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
“To countless people around the globe, wherever the Doulos Hope docks, the ship symbolises our shared commitment to spreading knowledge and nurturing hope.
“I am especially heartened by your goal of sharing this invaluable knowledge and hope with the communities you engage with at every port. There is nothing more comforting than the fact that the Doulos Hope embodies these values through literacy and education,” he said at the official opening reception on board MV Doulos Hope at the South Jetty of the Kota Kinabalu Port here today.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew delivered his speech.
The Chief Minister said it was encouraging to note that the Doulos Hope’s initiative plays a significant role in promoting literacy, cultural exchange, and community engagement, while ensuring that reading is accessible wherever the ship docks.
“Your collection of books, spanning various cultures and languages, has greatly enhanced cultural understanding and fostered exchange among visitors.
“The journey of the Doulos Hope serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact we can achieve when we unite in the pursuit of knowledge and hope,” he said.
The ship, which will be docking here for three weeks, has an international crew comprising over 100 volunteers from more than 30 countries, and this stood as a testament to what unity in diversity can achieve in bridging cultural, racial, and belief differences, he said.
Hajiji hoped the crew led by Director Nidhin Sebastian and Captain Graeme Bird would seize the opportunity to explore Sabah’s attractions and immerse themselves in the hospitality and diversity of its people.
“I wish the Doulos Hope a fruitful visit to Kota Kinabalu and a safe journey to your subsequent destinations,” he said.