TUARAN, Sabah, Jan 4, 2026 — The long-standing tradition of organising open house celebrations during religious and cultural festivities continues to serve as an effective platform for strengthening unity among Sabah’s multiracial and multi-faith communities, said United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Ewon Benedick on Saturday.
Ewon, who is also Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said the initiative reflects UPKO’s consistent leadership approach in fostering social harmony and strengthening engagement between political leaders and the public.
“UPKO has consistently organised open house events in conjunction with major celebrations such as Christmas, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year and the Kaamatan Harvest Festival, in line with Sabah’s diverse social fabric,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending UPKO’s Christmas and New Year 2026 Open House at Dewan Seri Sulaman here.
Ewon said this year’s Christmas open house was held in Tuaran and hosted by Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, UPKO’s Honorary President and the elected representative for the Tuaran and Tamparuli constituencies.
According to Ewon, UPKO organises its open house events on a rotational basis across various divisions in Sabah to ensure broad public participation and interaction in an inclusive and harmonious environment.
“Through such gatherings, messages of unity, harmony and the importance of cooperation among communities can be conveyed directly, particularly in efforts to advance Sabah’s development,” he said.
Ewon added that the presence of leaders from various political parties, as well as church representatives, at the event underscored the spirit of religious tolerance and social cohesion that has long characterised Sabah society.
He said UPKO appreciated the support shown by all parties and expressed hope that the tradition of organising open houses would continue to strengthen unity among the people of Sabah.
Ewon also said that the following day he would host a Christmas and New Year Open House for the Kadamaian area at Kadamaian Square, Taginambur, Kota Belud, as a gesture of appreciation for the unity and support shown by residents following the election.
Earlier, Ewon and Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin jointly hosted separate open house events in their capacities as Member of Parliament for Penampang and State Assemblyman for Moyog, respectively.
