Yahya: Celebrating Christmas together a sign of unity

KOTA KINABALU: Celebrating Christmas together irrespective of religion, faith and culture is a sign of unity among Malaysians, says Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin.

Yahya, who is also Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, said it was a practice for the multiracial people in Sabah and Malaysia to celebrate festivals together.

He said this when representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman at Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS)’s Christmas open house jointly hosted by party president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and his deputy Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili at KDCA here on Sunday.

“Like the Christmas open house today, others and I also attended the event to celebrate Christmas with our Christian friends, even though we are not Christians.

“This is a sign of unity among the people of Malaysia, irrespective of religion, faith and culture,” said Yahya.

Meanwhile, Maximus said events such as open house could instill the spirit of moderation in the people.

Although Malaysians comprised those of many faiths and backgrounds, he said the people were always united and able to work together.

On Pairin’s absence, Maximus explained that his president was supposed to return from leave on Saturday.

“However, he had to postpone his leave due to the prime minister’s visit to Tawau last week.

“Hence, he was unable to come back from leave due to his commitment to his children and grandchildren. But we are all here,” he said.

Also present at the open house were MIC Sabah president Datuk V Jothi, PBS deputy president Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai and wife Datin Vicky Yee, secretary general Datuk Johnny Mositun, supreme council members Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Chin Tek Ming, as well as Datuk Gerald Goh and Datuk Paul Kong from MCA.

Source : The Borneo Post