GREETED
......Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman being greeted by the
well-wishers who attended the Christmas Open House at KDCA Hall, Penampang.
By : FIZAH YUSOF
CHRISTMAS celebration
brought together throngs of well wishers at the PBS’ Christmas Open House
hosted by the Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan at the
Kadazandusun Cultural Association hall in Penampang yesterday.
Among the visitors were Head
of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and wife, Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, Chief
Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman with his wife Datin Seri
Panglima Faridah Tussin as well as other Cabinet Ministers.
“People from all walks of
life come together to celebrate in the open house tradition which shows
Malaysia is a harmonious country that enjoys unity,” Tan Sri Joseph Pairin
Kitingan told reporters.
With the spirit of
Christmas, Pairin hopes that Malaysia will continue to progress with the
strength of esprit the corps to strive for a better future under the Prime
Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s administration.
In his Christmas message
Chief Minister Musa Aman said Christmas is an occasion for friends and
relatives to visit one another to exchange greetings and strengthen ties.
CUTTING.....
Head of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni together
with Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Puan Sri Genevieve
Kitingan and distinguished guests cutting the Christmas cake during the
Christmas Open House at KDCA Hall, Penampang.
“Despite being diverse in
terms of faith and culture, we bridge our differences through common values and
our love for peace and harmony,” he said.
According to Musa, Sabah
is blessed with over 32 ethnic groups
who have successfully fostered trust, mutual respect and sincerity, and have
prospered in peace and unity. “We have found strength in diversity, and learn
from one another in gearing Sabah towards greater success,” he said.
Musa also called on the
people to reflect on the peace and harmony enjoyed by the country which he said
was due to the efforts of past leaders who made sure that our children and
grandchildren would have a bright future despite the odds stacked against them.
“I strongly believe that
what we have today is the future that they had envisaged for us.
Musa also reminded the
people not to allow themselves to be the victims of negative sentiments that
could destroy the country’s peace and stability.
He said the nation could
lose out on opportunities that could spur success if there was no sense of
unity that had been put in place by Malaysia’s forefathers.
“Investors are always
attracted by nations that are not only politically stable, but which also have
good race relations,” he said.
At the open house, guests
were treated to a variety of local food. There was also singing of traditional
Christmas songs, and Santa distributing Christmas presents to the children.
Balachandran A/L
Ramachandran, 51, drove all the way from Tawau with his family just to
celebrate Christmas at the PBS’ open house.
“Christmas is a celebration
for all, not only for the Christians. It is a
chance for people of other religions to understand the celebration;
nothing should be a barrier to unity,” he said.
Rutinah Anggis, 50, of
Sepanggar who had just converted to Islam said despite differences in religion
her relationships in the family remain good.
“I don’t have a problem
communicating with my family despite our different religions. I feel so grateful and blessed to be a Malaysian and
enjoy diversity as a way of life,” she said. (Insight Sabah)
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