1MALAYSIA REFLECTED IN VALUES CHRISTMAS BRINGS, SAYS MINISTER

KOTA MARUDU (Malaysia), Dec 27 (Bernama) -- The concept of 1Malaysia is
reflected in the values Christmas brings, said Science, Technology and
Innovation Minister Dr Maximus Ongkili.

He said the Christian celebration was a time for thanksgiving and
strengthening unity, which were the essence for the people to work together,
regardless of race and belief, to achieve the nation’s goals.

“We should continue to be thankful for the good things we enjoy in this
great country and at the same time work together.

“This can only be achieved through plain hard and smart work, dedication,
sincerity of the heart and true spirit of struggle for the people,” he said at
his Christmas Open House at the Kota Marudu Community Hall here Sunday.

Kota Marudu is a tiny district of Kudat Division, an administrative division
of Sabah, east Malaysia, on the island of Borneo.

The open house was also attended by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Joseph
Pairin Kitingan, who is also United Sabah Party (Parti Bersatu Sabah - PBS)
president, and his wife Genevieve Kitingan, Tandek assemblywoman Anita Baranting
and Matunggong assemblyman Sarapin Magana.

The guests were entertained to Christmas carols performed by 11 church
choirs.

At the open house, Ongkili, Pairin and Genevieve handed out Christmas gifts
to 48 people from the Kota Marudu Community-Based Rehabilitation
Centre.

Earlier, Ongkili visited the Lotong Hospital here to spread the festive
cheer and gave out Christmas gifts to patients there.

-- BERNAMA