KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick has proposed that the 2026 State-Level Christmas celebrations maintain the current collaborative format between the State Government, Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), and the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC).
Ewon, who also serves as the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, highlighted that this year’s celebration marked a historic milestone for official government events. He described it as a clear manifestation of Sabah’s commitment to religious freedom as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Speaking to reporters following the official closing ceremony at Padang Merdeka on Saturday, Ewon emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony in a pluralistic society.
“Who will safeguard Sabah’s proud multi diverse harmonious community of Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and others if not for us Sabahans?” he said, and expressed confidence Sabah’s prevailing unity in diversity can serve as a solid foundation for present and future generations to come.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister I and Minister of Public Works, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, representing the Chief Minister of Sabah.
As the organizing chairman, Ewon expressed his gratitude to the implementation committee which include Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Thomas Logijin, KK City Hall and Sabah Council of Churches.
“We will continue to drive Sabah the way forward to a prosperous future built on the foundation of unity,” he said. – Mohd Izham Bin Hashim
Ewon speaking to reporters at the event at Padang Merdeka.
