UPKO Open House boosts unity among diverse communities: Ewon

4 January 2026

TUARAN: The President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO), Datuk Ewon Benedick, said that the tradition of hosting Open Houses for each religious and cultural celebration has become an important platform in strengthening unity among the multiracial and multi-religious people in Sabah.

Ewon, who is also the deputy Chief minister III and the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Transport, stated that such events reflect UPKO’s leadership tradition, which consistently emphasises the importance of fostering good relations with the people and valuing community togetherness.

“UPKO consistently organises open houses during various celebrations including Christmas, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Kaamatan Festival.

For this year’s Christmas celebration, UPKO held an Open House in Tuaran, hosted by Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau as UPKO Honorary President and representative for the Tuaran and Tamparuli areas,” he said.

He made these remarks when speaking to reporters after officiating the Christmas and New Year 2026 UPKO Open House at Dewan Seri Sulaman here today.

Ewon said that UPKO’s open house events are held in rotation across different parts of Sabah to ensure that people from various backgrounds have the opportunity to gather and interact in a harmonious environment.

“Through such celebrations, we can convey messages of unity, harmony, and the need to cooperate and unite in the effort to develop the nation, especially Sabah,” he added.

He also mentioned that the presence of leaders from various political parties alongside church leaders in the district symbolises community unity and harmony.

“UPKO greatly appreciates this support, and I, along with the party, pray that the unity of the people of Sabah can be further strengthened through events like this,” he said.

He also informed that the following day, he would host a Christmas and New Year Open House for Kadamaian at Kadamaian Square, Taginambur, Kota Belud, as a gesture of appreciation for the community’s togetherness and support following the election.

On the day before, Ewon, together with Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin, also hosted an Open House as the Member of Parliament for Penampang and the Member of the State Assembly for Moyog.