JESUS THE STAR OF GREAT JOY

THE SANDAKAN Christmas Celebration with the theme: “Jesus The Star of Great Joy” held 7pm, 16 December 2011 at Sandakan MPS Square has attracted over thousands of people.

Attendants included Datuk Liew Vui Keong, MP of Sandakan, OCPD of Sandakan Tuan Rowell Marong, Reverend Chak of the Anglican Church and church leaders from the Sandakan Inter Churches. There were sharing of testimonies, drama, choir and singing. It was all done in the spirit of Christmas.

The 'Bringing Light To the People' started three days ago from 14, 15 and 16 December 2011. The Opening was officiated by Datuk Ir James Wong, the President of MPS, Sandakan, and the closing was done by Datuk Liew Vui Keong yesterday.

Earlier, on 1st December 2011, Datin Dr Lindai Lee (Datuk Liew's wife) switched on the Xmas tree at the Square to signify the beginning of the festive season in Sandakan. The Xmas Tree measuring 30 feet high is the tallest in Sandakan and has become an attraction to the locals who came near and far to see it.

In his speech Datuk Liew's said that;

The Christmas Celebration, "Bringing Light to The People" in Sandakan started since I won the 12th General Election in December 2008. We are now into the 4th year already. Sincerely, this is an event that is very close to my heart and has given me a lot a meaning in life.

Every year, the lighting of Christmas tree will start on 1st December, which is officiated by my wife, to signify the beginning of the festive season in Sandakan. The Christmas Light this year is simply amazing. When I first saw it last week, it gave me the memories of different colours signifying the multi-racial society of this country . It has given us the hope and light towards better future.

I want to congratulate the effort made by the maker of this Christmas Light, for his time, innovation and love in putting up the light. It simply means that we get better and better as each year goes by.

For the last four years, I am blessed to have the support of the Sandakan Inter Churches who have helped to organise the event. The concept is to bring light and spread the good news to everyone in Sandakan, and to tell the people what Christmas is all about, and the ONE GOD we believe in.

Throughout the 4 years, I have subscribed to the belief that we must have the concept “Bringing Light to the People” in the open so that more people can come to watch and listen to the good news being spread out. Although many have been worried about the weather, but I have always believed that our Lord Jesus is in charge and HE will ensure we will have a successful and blessed evening.

"Do not be anxious for anything but in everything by prayers with thanksgiving, and then make request made known to the Lord whose peace shall transcend all our understanding."

I believe that one day I will stand here to light up the Light not only for the Square here but the entire Sandakan City. To achieve this, I need your support in prayer.

Tonight I am also happy to see so many people of different faiths join us in this festival. It is truly a reflection of our tolerance and acceptance of each other.

One of the objectives of this activity is to strengthen the relationship between the various religions of this country. We hope that more and more people from every angle of the society will participate in our festival-events in future.

Malaysia is a multiracial country, and especially in Sabah, there are 32 kinds of cultures under this ‘Land Below The Wind’. Tolerance and mutual respect is practiced by all Sabahan and this makes the state a true model for the concept of 1Malaysia that was introduced by the Honourable Dato' Sri Haji Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Racial harmony cannot be achieved unless people are willing to maintain it with sincerity and dedication. I am very proud that we as Sabahan, has made this beloved state being generally recognized as a spotlight of various races living in harmony under one roof.

I would like to stress that, in order to achieve greater success and development, national unity is one of the important factors to be considered in this multi-racial country. The spirit of solidarity shown by the people of this country will definitely lead us towards a brighter and greater success for all races.

As we are all aware, Article 11 of the Constitution of Malaysia states that Islam is the religion of the Federation. However other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony in any part of the country.

The freedom of religion guaranteed under the Constitution is also reflected into the 1Malaysia concept, whereby every citizen has the right to maintain their culture, religion and identity. We are aware that Malaysia is formed by millions of people from different background with the same mission, vision and common goal towards the better future of the country.

In conclusion, I would convey my appreciation towards Sandakan InterChurchs and all the members in making this event a success. With the spirit of dedication shown by all members of this committee, I believe we will enlighten Sandakan, Sabah and Malaysia towards better future. I believe that one day I will stand here during the Christmas Celebration to light up the lights for the whole of Sandakan. Thank you.