Monday, December 28, 2009

National Christmas open house in Sabah on 29 Dec

KOTA KINABALU: Christmas may have passed but the excitement has yet to die, as Sabahans look forward to the next big event — the National Christmas Open House at Padang Merdeka, here on Tuesday.At least 5,000 people are expected to throng the venue, where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah and wife Toh Puan Dayang Masuyah Awang Japar will be guests-of-honour.

Christmas is an occasion popularly celebrated in Sabah, known for its ethnic diversity, with 32 groups, besides its large Christian population.

“I’ve never attended such a public open house as the time was always not convenient, but I’m keen to go this time,” said Helena Lajuni, 24, who is in her final year for a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management at Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

Such an event, she said, could help foster the 1Malaysia concept among Sabahans, citing her own siblings who have spouses of different races and religions “but we all learn to respect each other’s customs and join in whatever festive celebration”.

Project management consultant, engineer Raja Lachmanan, 44, who is married to a Kadazandusun, said having an open house like this for the people would help spread the joyful spirit of Christmas.

Continue reading at: National Christmas open house in Sabah on 29 Dec
.
.

No comments: