State-Level Celebrations for Christmas and Chinese New Year

16 December 2024

KOTA KINABALU: Christmas and Chinese New Year celebrations at the state level will be officially organised by the government starting this year.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor announced that this initiative marks the first time the state government will take the lead in coordinating these festivities, a departure from previous practices.

“Beginning this year, we celebrated Chinese New Year at the state level, organized by the government. Similarly, this year’s Christmas celebration was managed by City Hall (DBKK), but from next year onward, it will be officiated at the state level and chaired by Sabah's Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Ellron Angin,” he stated.

Hajiji made these remarks during a Christmas luncheon held with the President of the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) recently.

He said the government's involvement in these celebrations seeks to promote mutual respect and unity among the people of Sabah, emphasising the importance of recognising and honouring major festivities.

“Celebrating our diversity is a vital strength of our society. For generations, our ancestors have embraced their unique traditions, and it is essential that we continue this legacy.”

“We must foster a harmonious environment within our multiracial society, particularly during each other's religious celebrations. This commitment is central to the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government's mission to treat every citizen with fairness, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity."

Hajiji expressed his hope that the festive spirit of Christmas and the New Year would strengthen bonds, unity, and harmony among the state's residents.