UPKO Open House Applauded for Inclusivity

5 January 2026

KOTA BELUD: The United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (UPKO) Christmas and New Year Open house held at Kadamaian Square today play a vital role in bringing people together and strengthening social bonds.

It was hosted by UPKO President and State Assemblyman of Kadamaian Datuk Ewon Benedick who is also the deputy Chief minister III and Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport.  

The gathering creates opportunities for individuals of different ages, backgrounds, and beliefs to come together in joy and camaraderie. Through activities like Lucky Draw, Choir Singing from churches and entertainment on stage, it fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Nehtanyah Kimbin

Nehtanyah Kimbin, Assistant Executive Corporate Communications Department at POIC said, these celebrations benefit people by enhancing relationships and promoting a spirit of kindness and generosity. Participating in community activities plays a vital role in fostering a sense of cooperation, empathy, and understanding among members of the community. “When individuals come together to engage in shared efforts, it promotes teamwork and a collective spirit, encouraging everyone to contribute towards common goals. Through these interactions, people gain a deeper appreciation of each other's perspectives, cultures, and challenges, which helps to bridge differences and build mutual respect.”

Dolois Sumbin

Dolois Sumbin, UPKO Kota Belud Committee member said, for families and friends, community gatherings serve as valuable opportunities to reconnect amidst busy lives. “I am excited with such event such as this, organised by the UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick who is also Kadamaian State Assemblyman. This unites the people from all other contending parties in Kadamaian. It also enables members of the community from all walks of life, irrespective of religious and ethnic background to come together and foster rapport and friendship among themselves.”

Kassim Lantang Buliwan

Kassim Lantang Buliwan from Kg Rosok who is a teacher believed that such events are commendable and good and is encouraged. Open houses serve as a powerful platform to bring together community members from various backgrounds, races, and political beliefs by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. “During the recent State Election some people may have had different opinions and inevitably had exchange words. This open house is the time to heal the rift and be united again.”

Gabriel Sipoi

Gabriel Sipoi, a retiree from the Health Department and a resident of Kg Bangkahak, expressed his appreciation for the open house event, emphasising its significance to the community. He noted that after the recent elections, which saw a variety of differing opinions and political views, it is especially important for people to come together and foster harmony. He believed that now is the time for everyone to reconcile and rebuild good relations, particularly among politicians and all members of the community, regardless of their differences in understanding or belief.

He also stressed that such events play a vital role in uniting people and should be continued and supported during important cultural celebrations such as Hari Raya and Pesta Kaamatan. By maintaining this spirit of togetherness through these occasions, he hoped that the community could strengthen its bonds, promote peace, and work towards a more harmonious future for all.

Suwah Bulleh

Suwah Bulleh, STAR Party Division Head of N9 Tempasuk, remarked that organising such events is highly beneficial and should be a yearly tradition. He emphasised that these celebrations should be held for other cultural and religious festivities throughout the year.

Reflecting on today’s celebrations for New Year and Christmas, he expressed his confidence that these occasions serve to strengthen and deepen the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding among community members. He observed that today’s gathering showcased a diverse array of ethnic groups and faiths, which demonstrated the event’s effectiveness in fostering harmony and unity.

He further stated that if similar initiatives were embraced across Sabah and throughout Malaysia, it would better represent the spirit of togetherness and solidarity among the people. Such practices, he believed, would promote a greater sense of unity, understanding, and cooperation, ultimately paving the way for a more harmonious and progressive future for Sabah and Malaysia as a whole.

Maison Bansai

Maison Bansai, from Kg Gonsurai who is a farmer and member of PKR, agreed saying, the event is laudable and showed that the Datuk Ewon Benedick, who was voted in as State Assemblyman for Kadamaian showed genuine concern and care for the well-being of the people. “He has made special efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.”

Saidol Gindol

Saidol Gindol, former Chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Kg Pahu Kelawat, said, "For me, this is very good because it brings together everybody, not only Christmas celebrants but also people from all walks of life. This helps ensure that friendship, rapport, and understanding are maintained and strengthened, especially after the election when the community might have been divided along political lines."

He added, "I support and commend the efforts of our State Assemblyman in organising such events, whether it is Christmas, Hari Raya, or the Harvest Festival."

Today’s event was attended by approximately 5,000 people, despite the rain. The atmosphere was lively and joyful as the community moved around, meeting friends and relatives, while waiting for the lucky draw.