Christmas celebration a strong platform for unity, a reflection of the harmony of the people of Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Christmas 2025 celebration is not just celebrated as a religious ceremony, but rather an important platform to unite the people of Sabah in the spirit of goodwill, mutual respect and togetherness.

Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor said the state-level Christmas celebration reflected the social maturity and beauty of harmony among the people of Sabah.

He said this proves that the diversity of religions, cultures and backgrounds is not a divisive factor, but rather a strength that unites the people as one big family.

According to him, the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Hope for Peace in Love’, is very appropriate because it invites all people to return to basic human values ​​such as peace, love, hope and shared responsibility.

He stressed that hope is the belief that through love, a more peaceful, prosperous and meaningful life can be built, while true peace is expressed through mutual respect and strengthened by acts of kindness.

“Love is the foundation of all forms of relationships, whether in the family, community, society or our relationship with the environment. This is the philosophy we want to instill throughout the organisation of the Sabah Christmas Celebration 2025,” he said.

He said this at the Opening Ceremony of the Sabah Christmas Celebration 2025 at Padang Merdeka, here, tonight.

The text of Hajiji’s speech was read by the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Works and Utilities, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Joachim Gunsalam.

The ceremony was also graced by the departure of the Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Musa Aman, along with Toh Puan Faridah Tusin.

Hajiji said, in line with the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap, this celebration also serves as a platform to strengthen the values ​​of social unity and the well-being of the people.

He said that the development desired by the state government is not only measured through physical and economic progress, but also through harmonious relationships between people, the strength of the family institution, social concern and a sense of responsibility towards God’s creation.

“I am very pleased that various programs and activities have been organized throughout this celebration with an emphasis on family, community and social aspects that complement each other in forming a balanced and resilient society.”

“This celebration reminds us that family is the place where love and hope begin. In the community, the spirit of consensus and cooperation is the key to harmonious social life,” he said.

Hajiji believes that celebrations like this can be a bridge that connects Sabah’s multi-racial and multi-religious people, thus presenting the true face of this state which is rich in diversity, yet remains united in human values.

He hopes that the noble values ​​instilled through this celebration will continue to inspire the people to maintain harmony, stability and prosperity in the state.

“On behalf of the entire state leadership, I wish a Merry Christmas to all Sabahans who celebrate it,” he said.

-Agency