Sabah Declares 24 December An Additional Christmas Holiday Starting This Year
The chief minister said this extra public holiday will be practised annually.
By May Vin Ang — 12 Dec 2019, 11:38 AM
24 December has been declared as an additional public holiday in Sabah by the state government
"The matter was decided in the state cabinet meeting this morning," announced Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal during the 2019 Kota Kinabalu Christmas Celebration on Wednesday, 11 December, reported Malay Mail.
"So I am making an official announcement of two public holidays on 24 and 25 December."
He said the additional public holiday will give those celebrating Christmas more time to return home and celebrate the holiday.
Mohd Shafie launching the event at Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday.
Image via Bernama/Malay MailThe chief minister also declared that this additional public holiday will be practised annually, starting this year
"This is a testament that we respect all cultures and religions, and want the harmony in Sabah to be continued," he said, according to The Star.
Mohd Shafie elaborated that the celebration is a symbol of unity and harmony between the people of many different religions and race in the state
"The theme of tonight's event, 'Purity in Harmony', is very appropriate," he said, as quoted by Bernama.
"Harmony plays a key role in the development and progress of our country. As such, we need to maintain unity for our beloved Sabah state."
"Unity exists with harmony and this would become a source of our strength in good and difficult times," he added.
