From left, Pasnie, Wilherminah and Sahara.
PENAMPANG: Christmas is a celebration for all which can foster unity between people of various ethnic backgrounds and religions, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
“Christmas is not just for the Christians who celebrate it but an occasion for the whole community to celebrate together,” the Minister of Infrastructure Development and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president said when met at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Christmas Open House yesterday. .
The open house was jointly hosted with Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili, who is also PBS deputy president.
“In the context of national development, celebrating Christmas, as with other festive occasions, can promote the spirit of harmony, especially in our nation’s multi-cultural society,” Pairin said.
He added that these ‘open house’ gave those who attended a chance to strengthen ties and bond with those around them.
Pairin stressed the notion of moderation, as espoused by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, especially regarding festive celebrations such as Christmas.
He graciously thanked the government for giving citizens ample opportunities for fostering unity and harmony among each other.
About 1,000 people from various places and ethnic backgrounds visited the KDCA Christmas Open House which was graced by Head of State Tun Haji Juhar Haji Mahiruddin and his wife Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni.
Rubayah Sahidjul, who has been attending the annual event for 28 years, believes that the Christmas open house is a great occasion to strengthen ties between people of all races and religion.
“I think this is a good cultural occasion because all races get to interact and mingle with each other for the purpose of unity,” Rubayah said, adding that it definitely enforced the concept of 1Malaysia among Sabahans.
She said her family and her travelled all the way from Kudat to join in the festive spirit of Christmas and used the occasion to meet old friends and socialize, despite her Muslim background.
“I do think this year’s event is more rousing than the last because I notice many more visitors from other districts visiting,” Rubayah said.
Meanwhile, Wilherminah Mabin of Keningau said this was her first time visiting the open house and also her first Christmas celebration in the city area.
“I think the celebration in this manner is good and should be continued as it can improve ties between the people,” she said.
Wilherminah was at the open house with friends, Sahara Galingan of Ranau and Pasnie Sahani of Kota Marudu whom both shared the same sentiments.
The trio decided to visit the open house in hopes of having an enjoyable time as they were unable to return to their respective hometowns this year.