KUCHING: Christmas celebrations in Sarawak continue to serve as a vital platform for strengthening family and friendship ties, while fostering the values of tolerance within a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.

Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, stated that the festive season also acts as a medium for reinforcing social harmony, which forms the bedrock of stability and development in the region.

According to him, the harmony enjoyed by Sarawak today is a manifestation of the inclusive nature of its people, who practice fundamental human values—such as courtesy, tolerance, and mutual respect—in their daily lives.

“We are very fortunate that Christmas is celebrated together by all levels of society, regardless of religious or racial background. This is the recipe that makes Sarawak uniquely united and resilient as a developed region,” he said in his 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year message, released by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Wednesday.

In this regard, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar urged the public to maintain the tradition of visiting one another and to practice mutual respect throughout the festive season. He emphasised that these efforts are essential for strengthening the bonds of family and friendship, particularly among the younger generation.

In the same message, he also reminded the public to remain cautious and vigilant, especially when travelling on the roads, and to look after their health, noting that unpredictable weather conditions could affect general well-being. — UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim