KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick proposed that the Sabah State-level Christmas celebration in 2026 retain the same concept and organisational framework used this year, through continued collaboration between the State Government, Kota Kinabalu City Hall and the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC).
The State Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport said this year’s state-level celebration marked a new chapter in Sabah’s official government events and reflected the State’s firm commitment to freedom of religion as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.
Advertisement
“The Sabah Government has elevated a celebration that was organised for 19 years by the Sabah Council of Churches, in collaboration with City Hall, into an official State-level event.
“This is a manifestation of the constitutional guarantees and the conditions of Malaysia’s formation that respect the right of the people to practise their respective religions,” he said, after the closing at Padang Merdeka on Friday.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister I, who is also Sabah Minister of Works and Utilities, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, representing the Chief Minister.
Ewon, who is also chairman of the organising committee, hoped the celebration would continue to serve as a platform to strengthen unity and harmony among Sabah’s multi-racial and multi-religious society.
“We live in a plural society, with Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and followers of other faiths. If not us, who else will safeguard this harmony?
“With mutual respect, tolerance and togetherness, I am confident we can preserve peace in this State,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the State Government would continue to steer Sabah towards a better future founded on unity and social harmony.
