NATIONAL CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE TO BRING PEOPLE CLOSER TO 1MALAYSIA CONCEPT

KOTA KINABALU (Malaysia), Dec 28 (Bernama) -- Christmas may have passed but
the excitement has yet to die, as Sabahans look forward to the next big event -
the National Christmas Open House on Tuesday at Merdeka Field (Padang Merdeka),
here.

At least 5,000 people are expected to throng the venue, where Prime Minister
Najib Tun Razak and wife Rosmah Mansor and Ruler of Sabah Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah
and wife Toh Puan Dayang Masuyah Awang Japar will attend as guests-of-honour.

Christmas is an occasion popularly celebrated in Sabah, an East Malaysia
state, known for its ethnic
diversity, with 32 groups, besides its large Christian population.

"I've never attended such a public open house as the time was always not
convenient, but I'm keen to go this time," said Helena Lajuni, 24, who is in her
final year for a bachelor's degree in Hotel Management at University Malaysia of
Sabah (UMS).

Such an event, she said, could help foster the 1Malaysia concept among
Sabahans, citing her own siblings who have spouses of different races and
religions "but we all learn to respect each other's customs and join in whatever
festive celebration".

Project management consultant, engineer Raja Lachmanan, 44, who is
married
to a Kadazandusun, said having an open house like this for the people would help
spread the joyful spirit of Christmas.

The Malaysia Christmas Open House is organised by the Information
Communication and Culture Ministry in collaboration with the Sabah government.

The activities are scheduled to start as early as 2.30pm, with performances
by local artistes such as Everitus Gungkit and Clarice John Matta.

Najib is expected to arrive for the celebration at about 5pm.

The programme line-up includes the presentation of contributions to the less
privileged and Christmas caroling.

Najib will also launch the national letter-writing competition on the
1Malaysia dream.

-- BERNAMA