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RISING violence fuelled by racial and religious intolerance in other parts of the world should serve as a stark reminder for Sabah to safeguard its tradition of peaceful coexistence, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said on Saturday.
The Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister warned that when societies fail to manage differences with respect, the consequences can be severe, underscoring the need for Sabah to continue nurturing its culture of tolerance and mutual understanding.
“That is why Sabah must continue to maintain the prevailing culture of mutual respect and be a model of religious and racial tolerance,” The Star reported Joniston saying at the launch of the Inanam Christmas Carnival at Pekan Inanam.
Joniston said the state must remain vigilant against divisive ideologies, adding, “Sabah and its people must ensure that religious and racial extremism will never take root here.”
He noted that Sabah’s multiracial and multireligious composition has long been a source of unity, with communities accustomed to living, working and celebrating together despite their differences.
Touching on the carnival’s theme, Saved by Grace, he said it reflected universal values of compassion and kindness that resonate across different faiths and cultures.
“In Sabah, tolerance is part of daily life and can be seen in the way communities interact and celebrate each other’s festivals,” Joniston said.
He added that this spirit of harmony has helped ensure the state’s stability and peaceful environment, describing it as one of Sabah’s most valuable assets.
He also said that social cohesion and cultural diversity have strengthened Sabah’s appeal as a tourism destination, with visitors attracted not only by its natural beauty but also by its inclusive and welcoming communities.
The launch was attended by Inanam Council of Churches chairman Pastor Bios Solingkin, along with elders representing various Christian denominations.
Co-organised by Kota Kinabalu City Hall and the Inanam Council of Churches, the Inanam Christmas Carnival has been held annually since 2015. The two-day celebration concludes on Sunday. - December 21, 2025