February 2026 reflects Malaysia’s interfaith harmony as Ewon strengthens cultural unity in Penampang
By Mohd Khairy Abdullah @ Henry
PENAMPANG, Sabah | 7 February 2026 — February 2026 marks a rare and meaningful convergence in Malaysia’s social calendar, with Ramadan beginning just two days after the Lunar New Year, followed by the Christian season of Lent, offering a clear reflection of the country’s enduring interfaith harmony in a diverse and plural society.
Member of Parliament for Penampang, Datuk Ewon Benedick, described this alignment of religious and cultural observances as a powerful illustration of Malaysia’s strength — a nation where different faiths, traditions and cultures are celebrated with mutual respect, coexistence and peace.
In the same spirit, Ewon presented 22 lion dance heads, including two dragon heads, to various Chinese associations and lion dance troupes across the Penampang parliamentary constituency in conjunction with Lunar New Year 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to preserve Chinese cultural heritage while strengthening unity across communities.
Ewon, who also serves as Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development and Transport, said the contribution is part of an annual initiative carried out ahead of every Lunar New Year. This year, in addition to the 22 lion and dragon heads, an additional dragon head was donated by a local corporate figure in Penampang.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the eye-dotting ceremony for the lion and dragon heads, a symbolic ritual in Chinese tradition signifying vitality, blessing and continuity of cultural heritage.
According to Ewon, the initiative reflects the role of inclusive leadership in ensuring that cultural traditions are preserved and passed on to future generations, while reinforcing social harmony as a foundation of stability.
“This is the true face of Penampang and Sabah — diversity that is celebrated, respected and protected. Despite differences in background, belief and political views, people continue to live together peacefully, something that very few countries in the world have been able to achieve,” he said.
Ewon also called on all segments of society to safeguard cultural traditions as bridges of unity, stressing that political divisions should never undermine social harmony or the strength of the Malaysian Federation.
