Sabah deputy chief minister proposes maintaining state-level Christmas celebration format in 2026
KOTA KINABALU, Dec 20, 2025 — Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick on Saturday proposed that the format of the State-Level Christmas Celebration be maintained in 2026, following this year’s event being elevated as an official state government celebration.
He said the organisational model, implemented through collaboration between the Sabah state government, Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC), had proven effective as an inclusive platform to strengthen unity and social harmony in the multicultural state.
“I will propose to the Chief Minister and the Sabah Cabinet that the format of this year’s State-Level Christmas Celebration be continued next year,” he said.
Ewon, who is also Sabah’s Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said the decision to formalise the celebration at the state level marked recognition of a tradition that had been organised for 19 years by the Sabah Council of Churches in cooperation with DBKK.
He said the move reflected Sabah’s commitment to freedom of religion as enshrined in Malaysia’s Federal Constitution and the spirit underpinning the formation of the federation.
“This is a manifestation of the constitutional guarantee and the conditions of Malaysia’s formation that respect the right of the people to practise their respective religions,” he said.
Ewon was speaking to reporters after the official closing ceremony of the Sabah State-Level Christmas Celebration at Padang Merdeka here on Friday.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister I and Sabah Minister of Works and Utilities Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who represented the Chief Minister.
As organising chairman of the celebration, Ewon expressed hope that the state-level Christmas event would continue to serve as a platform to strengthen harmony among Sabah’s multiracial and multi-religious communities.
“We live in a plural society — Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and followers of other faiths. If we do not safeguard this harmony, who will?” he said.
He added that mutual respect, tolerance and togetherness were key to preserving peace and stability in the state.
“With respect and a shared sense of unity, I am confident we can continue to maintain peace in Sabah,” he said.
Ewon also expressed confidence that under the Chief Minister’s leadership, the state government would continue to drive Sabah towards a better future anchored in unity and social cohesion.
He thanked the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Thomas Logijin, DBKK, SCC, members of the organising committee and all parties involved in ensuring the success of the celebration.
“I would also like to thank the thousands of Sabahans who attended the celebration from its opening on Dec 16 through to the closing night,” he said.
