Christmas gathering attended by people from all walks of life

5 January 2024

By AVV

TENOM: About 4,000 individuals gathered in and around the Sri Antenom community hall to participate in the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Christmas celebration, recently. They represented a diverse array of communities, united despite their ethnic backgrounds or beliefs.

Stanley Jungkat, an UPKO Supreme Council Member from Tuaran, praised the celebration as a commendable demonstration of the community's solidarity, transcending the boundaries of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. "This gathering exemplifies our unity," he remarked, highlighting the inclusive spirit that characterized the event.

"We came as a group of around 40 members, accompanied by Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau, the UPKO honorary president, to celebrate this significant occasion. I am confident that this celebration will strengthen the bonds of friendship among UPKO members,” he added.

Stanley expressed his belief that such celebrations not only promote UPKO's values and community ties but also have the potential to attract new members. "From my experience, events like this significantly contribute to increasing UPKO's membership," he noted.

He emphasised that celebrations should not be limited to Christmas; instead, they should be held across various festive occasions throughout the year to foster continuous engagement and connection within the community.

Rosinah Abok, the UPKO Tenom women chief wholeheartedly agreed that such celebrations are not only a great idea but pivotal for fostering community spirit and political engagement. She reflected on the party's journey, noting that in the past, UPKO was not considered a major player in the political landscape, with many people dismissing it as insignificant. However, the transformation of UPKO is evident; it has become a well-respected and recognized party among the populace.

Rosinah emphasised that through consistent outreach efforts—such as visiting villages and hosting events like this celebration—UPKO has made significant strides in connecting with the community and addressing their needs. "These initiatives have borne fruit, and it's essential that we continue them," she asserted passionately.

She shared insights from a recent visit by the UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick to Melalap, which sparked a palpable interest in the party. Since that event, numerous individuals have expressed a desire to join UPKO, highlighting the growing appeal and influence of the party.

“This shows that exposure and solidarity among the people are crucial for our growth,” she concluded, underscoring the importance of building relationships and engaging with the community to ensure UPKO’s continued success and relevance.

Rita Majapun from Kg Sugud Penampang said she was very happy to attend the event and enjoyed the merry occasion.

“With this Christmas celebration, UPKO members and other celebrants can enhance friendship and rapport among them,” she said.

Craig Adam, a student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) from Kinarut, expressed, “This event is incredibly valuable for building and strengthening connections within the community. It not only promotes harmony among the people but also serves as a commendable initiative in bringing everyone together.”

Thedy Sambayang from Kg Malinja Nabawan shared his enthusiasm for the recent Christmas Celebration, expressing how much he enjoyed mingling with the crowd. As a member of UPKO, he praised the organizers for creating such a joyful and festive event.

Echoing Thedy's sentiments, Janustik Jubilin, also from Kg Malinja Nabawan, remarked, “This is truly a delightful event, and I am having a wonderful time here. I believe it should be held annually, along with other festivities. Thank you, Datuk Ewon Benedick, for taking the time to visit Tenom.”

For Jaim Kassim, another resident of Kg Malinja, the celebration provided a perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends and socialise. He described the event as commendable and expressed his hope that it would become an annual tradition, emphasising the importance of community gatherings like this one.