Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (fifth left) celebrating the spirit of unity and togetherness with the villagers of Kampung Parad during the joint Hari Raya and Easter celebration on Sunday (Apr 20).
KOTA KINABALU: The joint celebration of Hari Raya and Easter by Muslims and Christians in Kampung Parad, located about 85km from here, is exemplary, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
“This kind of unity is something the world needs to see,” said the Kiulu assemblyman who officiated the celebration.
“We should consider turning this into a yearly celebration, a community or harmony festival that honours our religious, cultural, and traditional diversity in one joyful gathering,” he said in a statement on Monday (Apr 21).
Bangkuai, who is also the Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, believes the spirit of kampung living plays a vital role in shaping a generation rooted in empathy and mutual respect.
“Tourists want to see how locals live, how they support each other, and how they respect one another’s beliefs. Here in Kiulu, they can experience that first-hand,” he said.
Bangkuai, who is also the Sabah Tourism Board chairman, said unity shown through daily life, not just during celebrations, leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
“Our kampung communities prove that peace is possible when we embrace diversity instead of fearing it. This message of unity is one of our strongest assets,” he said.
