Hope, joy and peace at Gaya Street Xmas do

KOTA KINABALU: The city’s popular Gaya Street saw carollers spreading the message of hope, joy, peace and love at the Christmas celebration.

The annual Gaya celebration, fast becoming an event of unity and harmony, saw hundreds of people flocking to watch Nativity skits and liturgical dances performed by members of the various church denominations that come under the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC).

The four-day carnival that kicked off on Tuesday night highlighted among others, Nativity scenes, at Lintasan Deasoka in Gaya Street.

Stalls put up by church members along the stretch of the street offered Christmas goodies and decorations, local food and drinks, clothes and knick-knacks.

In his message for the launch, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said that Sabah prides itself as a melting pot of diverse races, cultures and backgrounds.

“We live in harmony alongside one another and we understand each other well. The Gaya Christmas celebration showcases the unity, culture of acceptance and harmony enjoyed by the people here,” Musa said.

Started eight years ago, he said the celebration also strengthened Kota Kinabalu’s image as a vibrant city.

Malaysian Methodist Church chairman Bishop Dr Ong Hwai Teik said that the state government’s support for the celebration made it well known in the country and in many ways it has become an event for others to follow.

It reflects openness, support and wisdom of the state government, he said. The event is organised by SCC and Kota Kinabalu City Hall, with the state government contributing RM200,000.

Source: The Star