Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister Ewon Benedick has proposed that Sabah retain the same organising concept for the State-level Christmas celebration in 2026, continuing the collaboration between the State Government, City Hall (DBKK) and the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC).
Speaking after the closing ceremony at Padang Merdeka on Friday night, Ewon said this year’s celebration marked a milestone as Sabah’s first official government-led Christmas event and reflected the state’s commitment to freedom of religion under the Federal Constitution.
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He said he would submit the proposal to the Chief Minister and State Cabinet, noting that the celebration had for 19 years been organised by the SCC with DBKK before being elevated to a state-level official event.
The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister and Works and Utilities Minister Joachim Gunsalam, who represented the Chief Minister.
Ewon, who also chaired the organising committee, said the celebration had brought together Sabahans of different faiths and backgrounds, and he thanked the organisers and the public for their support throughout the programme from Dec 16 until its close.
