KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will hold its first-ever state-level Christmas celebration from Dec 16 to 19 at Padang Merdeka here, marking a milestone in the state’s support for religious festivities.
Deputy Chief Minister and Organising Committee chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick said the celebration, previously organised by Kota Kinabalu City Hall with the Sabah Council of Churches, has now been elevated to a state event.
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“This reflects the openness and commitment of the Sabah government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in supporting religious celebrations,” he said.
The event will be officiated by Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman on Dec 16, with the closing ceremony to be led by Hajiji on Dec 19.
Held under the theme “Hope for Peace in Love”, the celebration highlights unity, harmony and mutual respect among Sabah’s multi-racial and multi-religious society, in line with the Sabah First vision.
The programme will feature stage performances and a community feast involving 100 local hawkers, aimed at supporting micro and small entrepreneurs.
Ewon invited Sabahans to attend and be part of the celebration, adding that programme details will be shared through official social media channels of the organisers and relevant agencies.