Rep to start Christmas bazaar in Long Lama from next year
MIRI: To add colour to the Christmas celebration, a Christmas bazaar will be proposed for Long Lama starting next year where locals will get to come and sell their products, said Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
He said it would give everyone the opportunity to experience the celebration and foster harmony between Christians and nonChristians besides boosting tourism and enhancing the local economy through sale of products.
“This move will surely benefit all parties because this bazaar will enable people from all religions to see what Christmas is, the food sold, the decorations, and people from near and far can come to shop at the place where everything is there, like a one-stop centre apart from showcasing our local products.
“Our Chief Minister and the state government have been promoting religious freedom and I believe this is one way the Christian community in the state can support the government’s initiatives,” he told The Borneo Post here yesterday.
Commenting on Christmas preparation, Dennis said for him it is more of being closer to God though for most people the preparation will be more on shopping or going on vacation.
“I always focus on the real
This move will surely benefit all parties because this bazaar will enable people from all religions to see what Christmas is, the food sold, the decorations, and people from near and far can come to shop at the place where everything is there, like a one-stop centre apart from showcasing our local products. Dennis Ngau, Telang Usan assemblyman
meaning of Christmas, that is the birth of Christ, and I always look forward to all church services around Christmas day because I believe Christmas should focus more on how you can improve your living with God’s blessings and how grateful we are to live a good life.
“As a Christian and a firm believer, Christmas plays an important and significant role in my life as it reminds me of the birth of my Saviour and the story of Jesus, Prince of Peace inspires people to do good things and Christmas time is an opportunity for Christians to spread and share love and peace,” he said.
Dennis recalled celebrating Christmas when he was young and living in the longhouse, deep in the interior where Christmas was really something to look forward to as poor parents would try their best to get new clothes for their kids, although it might be just a mere collarless t-shirt or shorts.
“Though the gifts were simple, we received them with great excitement and used them on Christmas day church service and of course, this has changed today with our improved economy but the essence of Christmas celebration still remains unchanged.
“Personally, I wish to see Christmas celebration and seasons all over the world to be celebrated with much respect, not as an opportunity to make more money,” he elaborated.
Dennis advised the people to celebrate Christmas with moderation and within their means.
“Our main focus is to thank God and Christians should take this opportunity to spread peace, forgiveness, encourage understanding among the world’s citizens and have a merry family gathering to thank God for all His blessings and pray that He will continue to bless us every single day in our lives,” he added.
At the same time, Dennis reminded those travelling back to their longhouses to ensure that their vehicles are properly checked prior to their journey, to have enough rest before starting the journey and avoid alcohol consumption.