Festive gatherings help restore unity after elections, says Madius

Tamparuli State Assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau (right) with Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick (left) Moyog State Assemblyman Datuk Donald Mojuntin and Billy Joe Dominic UPKO Penampang Youth Chief (2nd right) during the event

4 January 2026

TUARAN: State Assemblyman for Tamparuli, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, said festive open houses such as Christmas and New Year celebrations play an important role in restoring unity and strengthening relationships after elections.

He said that elections inevitably raise various issues that can slightly affect unity, making occasions like these an opportunity to rebuild goodwill and cooperation among leaders and the community.

“After an election, unity can be affected to some extent by the issues that arise. We therefore take advantage of festive celebrations like this to restore relationships so that we can continue our work of developing the community effectively,” he said.

He added that regardless of political differences, all parties are now part of a unity government.

“Whether friends or opponents, we are a unity government. That is the spirit we want to uphold,” he said when interviewed during his Christmas and New Year Open House gathering in Tuaran.

Madius who is also the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation ( UPKO) Honorary President noted that Sabah has always respected and celebrated all major religious and cultural festivities, reflecting the state’s strong spirit of harmony.

He described the presence of church leaders, representatives of other religions and even former political rivals at the event as a very positive sign of reconciliation.

“I also saw friends who contested together in the last election attending today. This is a very good development for unity,” he said.

He added that similar celebrations would continue throughout the year, including Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) to ensure unity in Sabah is strengthened and sustained year-round.

On public welfare and disaster preparedness, Madius said the district office has taken steps to develop a more structured disaster management plan, particularly to address flooding in his constituency.

He said efforts were also ongoing to upgrade Tamparuli into a full-fledged district, which would allow for more organised and effective management of issues such as natural disasters.

“As a full district, our approach to handling these matters will be more systematic and better than our current status,” he said.

Also present during the event were Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industry Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also UPKO President and Moyog State Assemblyman Datuk Donald Mojuntin, among others.