KOTA KINABALU, 21 Dec 2025: Sabah must continue to mantain the prevailing culture of mutual respect and be a model of religious and racial tolerance, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said incidents of violence linked to racial and religious intolerance occurring in other parts of the world should serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding harmony at home.
“When societies fail to manage differences with respect, the consequences can be severe.
“Sabah and its people must ensure that religious and racial extremism will never take roots in the State," he said when launching the Inanam Christmas Carnival at Pekan Inanam here, on Saturday.
Also present were Inanam Council of churches chairman Pastor Bios Solingkin and elders from various Christian denominations.
Joniston said Sabah’s multiracial and multireligious makeup has long been a source of strength, with communities accustomed to living, working and celebrating together despite their differences.
Referring to the carnival’s theme, ‘Saved by Grace’, he said the message reflected shared values of compassion and kindness that resonate across faiths and cultures.
“In Sabah, tolerance is part of daily life and can be seen in the way communities interact and celebrate each other’s festivals.
”This social harmony has contributed to the state’s stability and peaceful environment, which remains one of Sabah’s most important assets,” he said
Joniston said such harmony, combined with Sabah’s diverse culture, also strengthens the state’s tourism appeal, as visitors are drawn not only to its landscapes but also to its inclusive and welcoming communities.
Co-organised by Kota Kinabalu City Hall and the Inanam Council of Churches, the Inanam Christmas Carnival is part of a long-running tradition that has been held since 2015.
The two-day celebration began on Saturday and concludes today.
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