KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA December 20, 2025 – Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick has proposed that the concept for the 2026 State-Level Christmas Celebration be retained with the same organising format as this year, involving close cooperation between the State Government, Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), and the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC).
The proposal was made following the official closing ceremony of the Sabah State-Level Christmas Celebration 2025 at Padang Merdeka on 19 December, which was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam on behalf of the Chief Minister.
Ewon, who is also the Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, as well as the Organising Chairman of the event, said this year’s celebration marked a new chapter in history as the first official state-level event organised by the government, after previously being held for 19 years by the SCC in collaboration with DBKK.
“This is a manifestation of Sabah’s commitment to guaranteeing freedom of religion as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the conditions for the formation of Malaysia,” Ewon told reporters.
He said the celebration also served as an important platform to strengthen unity and harmony in Sabah’s multiracial and multi-religious society, which includes Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and followers of other faiths.
“We live in a plural society. If we do not safeguard this harmony, who will? With respect, tolerance, and togetherness, I am confident we can maintain the peace in this state,” he emphasised.
The 2025 Sabah State-Level Christmas Celebration, held from 16 to 19 December under the theme “Hope for Peace in Love”, successfully attracted thousands of visitors with various activities including a people’s feast, performances, and small entrepreneur stalls.
Ewon also expressed appreciation to all parties involved, including the Permanent Secretary of his ministry Datuk Thomas Logijin, DBKK, SCC, and the thousands of Sabahans who attended throughout the event.
He is confident that under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sabah will continue to progress based on the unity and harmony of its people.
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