By WU VUIDE
TUARAN: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President Ewon said the tradition of organising open house celebrations serves as an important platform to strengthen unity among Sabah’s multi-racial and multi-religious communities.
Ewon, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said such events reflect Upko’s leadership tradition, which consistently emphasises the importance of fostering close ties with the people.
“Upko has consistently organised open houses in conjunction with various celebrations, including Christmas, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year and the Kaamatan Festival.
“For this year’s Christmas and New Year 2026 Open House in Tuaran, it was hosted by Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, Upko’s honorary president as well as the Member of Parliament for Tuaran and the Assemblyman for Tamparuli,” he said after officiating the event at Dewan Seri Sulaman.
Ewon said Upko’s open houses are held on a rotational basis across divisions throughout Sabah to ensure people from various backgrounds have the opportunity to gather and interact in a harmonious atmosphere.
He added that he will host a similar event at Kadamaian Square, Taginambur, Kota Belud, as a gesture of appreciation for post-election support.
In a separate, similar event, Ewon proposed that the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop) continue the implementation of loan repayment moratoriums to assist entrepreneurs affected by disasters.
He said that his ministry would propose to the Federal Government, particularly Kuskop, that the joint committee previously established be continued to ensure development coordination is carried out more effectively.
He said the committee is important not only for coordinating entrepreneurship development programmes, but also for addressing issues related to calamities and disasters that have a direct impact on business sustainability.
“Previously, financing agencies under Kuskop implemented moratoriums or loan repayment relief policies, including deferments of up to a maximum of six months for affected entrepreneurs.
“In this regard, I will seek confirmation from Kuskop on whether the policy is still being continued or otherwise,” he said when asked about the government’s efforts to assist entrepreneurs affected by disasters in Sabah.
“I will propose that this policy be continued to ease the burden on entrepreneurs affected by floods or other disasters that disrupt their business operations,” he said.
He added that the move is in line with the State Government’s efforts to ensure that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) remain resilient despite facing unforeseen challenges.
Ewon and Madius, with Upko leaders, cut the cake to symbolically officiate the open house.
