KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans are encouraged to strengthen their unity and maintain harmony as the state prepares to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year 2026.
Sabah Yang DiPertua Negeri, Tun Musa Aman, emphasised that Christmas is more than just a celebration; it embodies universal values such as love, peace, and hope, which are essential for building a united and diverse society.
"In Sabah, we take pride in the harmony among our multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities that live peacefully and rely on one another. This is our strength, and it must be safeguarded," he stated in his Christmas and New Year message on Wednesday (Dec 24).
Despite global and economic challenges, Musa noted that the people of Sabah have consistently demonstrated resilience through inclusive economic growth.
As the new year approaches, Musa urges everyone to embrace a renewed spirit of progress, tolerance, and mutual understanding.
"Sabah will continue to thrive if we uphold the spirit of tolerance, understanding, and solidarity as one big family," he said.
He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to ensuring balanced development across all regions and communities.
"This success relies on integrity in governance, efficient public service delivery, and close cooperation between the government, private sector, and the people," he added, mentioning that the Sabah Maju Jaya development initiative serves as a guiding framework for the state's progress.
Musa highlighted that the state has made advancements in areas such as the economy, education, infrastructure, digitalisation, public services, and rural development.
He expressed gratitude to state and federal leaders, civil servants, security forces, enforcement agencies, community leaders, volunteers, and the people of Sabah for their contributions to the state's development.
