KK Christmas Celebration launched
KOTA KINABALU: Amid international conflicts involving religious and political issues, Sabah remains a model state for cultural diversity.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman said the state government continually worked to ensure that religious freedom could be celebrated and further enhanced.
“We need to work hard to ensure Malaysians and Sabahans in particular continue to live in peace and harmony.
“As such, the state government is always working towards solutions to religious and cultural issues.”
Musa said this in his opening address at the Kota Kinabalu Christmas Celebration launch at Padang Merdeka, last night.
He expressed joy at seeing those in attendance being of various social standings and cultural backgrounds, emphasising the people’s support of all celebrations in the state.
“Sabah proudly stands out today as a model state where we embrace our rich cultural diversity through community carnivals like this Christmas celebration, as well as others such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Tadau Kaamatan carnivals.
“These are some of the solid benchmarks of nation building and meaningful progress as a peaceful and harmonious Malaysian society,” Musa said.
“I am pleased to see tonight the rich cultural mix of local and international visitors attending this Christmas celebration.”
The Chief Minister also said he was happy to see that the state government’s annual allocations to churches for identified projects and community programmes had helped to make a difference in their communities.
He congratulated the City Hall, Sabah Council of Churches and the KK Christmas Celebration organising committee for their success in putting the “meaningful and high quality event” together for the local community.
Also present at last night’s Christmas Celebration launch were Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab ahmad Ayid, Sabah Council of Churches president Rev Bishop Datuk Melter Jiki Tais and Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai.