KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman has called on the people to work towards maintaining peace and stability amid cultural and religious conflicts emerging across the globe.
Musa said the Sabah government is highly committed to championing freedom of religion and cultures in the state.
“In this context, the state government together with religious leaders and communities, is always finding solutions to issues regarding culture and religions.
“The world today is witnessing various issues, challenges and conflicts. Therefore, we must work hard to ensure that communities in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah, continue to live in peace and harmony,” he said.
Musa was speaking to thousands of visitors at the launching of the Kota Kinabalu Christmas Celebration at Padang Merdeka, here today.
The annual carnival is jointly organised by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall and Sabah Council of Churches.
Despite the downpour, city folk and visitors alike continued thronging Padang Merdeka to experience this year's Christmas night market. The weather also did not dampen the spirits of some 100 performers, who gave a lively opening performance upon the Chief Minister's arrival.
Musa commended the unity shown by the people, whom despite their religious differences came together to celebrate the festive season in one spirit.
He noted that the Sabah government has never failed to distribute allocations to churches for them to fund identified projects and make a difference in the communities.
“We wish to ensure that religious freedom can be celebrated and further enhanced. Sabah proudly stands out today as a model state, where we embrace our rich cultural diversity through community carnivals like this Christmas Celebration and others.
“These are some of the solid benchmarks of nation-building and meaningful progress as a peaceful and harmonious Malaysian society,” he said.