Christmas in Malaysia, a moment of "celebration and sharing" for Christians and Muslims
Kota Kinabalu (AsiaNews) - "A carnival like that of Gaya Christmas can only bear witness to the good relations between people of different faiths and ethnicities. This confirms that people from different backgrounds can understand the importance of creating one family in Malaysia, made of strong links," said Minister of Rural Development Datuk Radin Malleh, on behalf of Datuk Musa Haji Aman, chief minister of the Malaysian State of Sabah, during the opening celebration for Christmas Gaya, a four-day event recently held in the Asian country.
This year was the 10th anniversary of the festival, and included a "special exhibit" that looked back at the main moments, goals and aspirations of previous editions.
For this year, organisers chose 'The Star of Great Joy' as its motto. Their aim was to reiterate the ideal of peaceful coexistence among people of different religions.
The "star" is "the prince of peace" - whose birth "we celebrate at Christmas" - becomes a source and premise for the "great joy and peace" of people of good will.
For Minister Datuk Radin Malleh, who also focused on the theme, mutual acceptance and respect, together with unity, are non-negotiable.
The Gaya Christmas celebration is one of the most important events of the year in the State of Sabah, the second largest state in Malaysia.
The four-day event, which includes singing, dancing as well as food fairs and local markets, brings together people of different races, faiths and cultures.
Kota Kinabalu City authorities and the Council of Churches of Sabah were the main organisers. Over time, the festivity has sparked similar events elsewhere.
Each year, the celebration becomes an opportunity for solidarity initiatives. In 2014, a fundraising was held and parts of the proceeds are slated to go to the Paitan Kindergartens, which are run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.
Another of Gaya Christmas' objectives is to help those who promote activities of charity and solidarity. This way the true face of Christmas can be shown in accordance with the principles of caring, sharing and mutual support.
Kota Kinabalu Archbishop Mgr John Wong was present on opening day, 9 December. After leading a joint prayer, he also imparted his blessing.
The prelate said he hoped that the festivity would provide an opportunity for people to come together in unity, harmony and prosperity for the city, the state and the nation.
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah. About 1.3 million people live in the local archdiocese. Catholics are 15 per cent of the total, divided in 17 different parishes.
Like Malaysia as a whole, Muslims are the majority in the State of Sabah (65 per cent). However, there is a substantial Christian presence (27 per cent), followed by Buddhists (just over 6 per cent).
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02/06/2016 09:28
