Religious tolerance must be safeguarded
- nabalunews
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
21 December 2025
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah must continue to uphold its long-standing culture of mutual respect and serve as a model of religious and racial tolerance, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said incidents of violence arising from racial and religious intolerance in other parts of the world should serve as a reminder of the need to protect harmony at home.
“When societies fail to manage differences with respect, the consequences can be severe.
“Sabah and its people must ensure that religious and racial extremism never take root in the state,” he said when officiating at the launch of the Inanam Christmas Carnival at Pekan Inanam here on Saturday.
Also present were Chairman of the Inanam Council of Churches Pastor Bios Solingkin, along with elders from various Christian denominations.
Joniston said Sabah’s multiracial and multi-religious composition has long been a source of strength, with communities accustomed to living, working and celebrating together despite their differences.
Referring to the carnival’s theme, ‘Saved by Grace’, he said the message reflected shared values of compassion and kindness that resonate across faiths and cultures.
“In Sabah, tolerance is part of daily life and is evident in the way communities interact and celebrate one another’s festivals.
“This social harmony has contributed to the state’s stability and peaceful environment, which remains one of Sabah’s most important assets,” he said.
Joniston added that such harmony, combined with Sabah’s cultural diversity, also enhances the state’s tourism appeal, as visitors are drawn not only to its natural beauty but also to its inclusive and welcoming communities.
Co-organised by Kota Kinabalu City Hall and the Inanam Council of Churches, the Inanam Christmas Carnival is part of a long-standing tradition that has been held since 2015.
The two-day celebration began on Saturday and concludes today.
