Sabah Christmas Celebration Strengthens Unity and Reflects Social Harmony: CM

16 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Christmas Celebration 2025 serves as a strong platform for fostering unity and harmony among the people of the state, beyond its religious significance, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

He said the state-level celebration reflects the social maturity of Sabahans and highlights the beauty of peaceful coexistence in a multiracial and multi-religious society, where diversity is embraced as a unifying strength rather than a point of division.

Speaking at the official opening of the Sabah Christmas Celebration 2025 at Padang Merdeka on Tuesday, Hajiji said this year’s theme, “Hope for Peace in Love”, aptly underscores the importance of returning to core human values such as peace, compassion, hope and shared responsibility.

His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Works and Utilities, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

Hajiji said hope reflects the belief that a more peaceful, prosperous and meaningful life can be achieved through love, while true peace is nurtured through mutual respect and reinforced by acts of kindness.

“Love is the foundation of all relationships, whether within families, communities or society as a whole, including our relationship with the environment. This is the philosophy we seek to instil throughout the Sabah Christmas Celebration 2025,” he said.

The ceremony was graced by the Head of State, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Musa Aman, accompanied by his Consort Toh Puan Datin Seri Panglima Datuk Faridah Tusin.

In line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap, Hajiji said the celebration also serves to strengthen social cohesion and enhance the overall well-being of the people.

He stressed that development pursued by the state government is not measured solely by physical infrastructure and economic growth, but also by harmonious human relationships, strong family institutions, social responsibility and respect for God’s creation.

Hajiji said he was encouraged by the wide range of programmes and activities organised throughout the celebration, which emphasised family, community and social values essential for building a balanced and resilient society.

He expressed confidence that events such as the Sabah Christmas Celebration can serve as a bridge connecting people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds, while showcasing Sabah’s true identity as a state rich in diversity yet united by shared human values.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that the values promoted through the celebration would continue to inspire Sabahans to preserve harmony, stability and well-being across the state.

On behalf of the state leadership, he extended Christmas greetings to all Sabahans celebrating the festive season.