SIMUNJAN: Over 500 people gathered to celebrate the inaugural Christmas parade here, marking a vibrant and joyous occasion that also strengthened the unity and harmony among the diverse community.
Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee said the event held for the first time was celebrated with overwhelming enthusiasm.
“Tonight, we come together in a spirit of joy, unity, and hope to celebrate this lively Christmas parade.
“What is truly remarkable is the spirit of tolerance and mutual respect among us, despite our different religions and beliefs—something unique to Sarawak and rarely seen elsewhere in Malaysia or the world,” she said during the parade held at the Padang Sentral Simunjan on Saturday evening.
Rodiyah also praised the celebration for being more than just a religious festivity, describing it as a reflection of the state’s harmony and strong interfaith unity.
“Our theme this year, The Bright Star, symbolises the light of happiness and peace for everyone in Simunjan. May it serve as a reminder to continue fostering love and unity among all of us,” she said.
The Christmas parade included participants from various churches in the area, with the Methodist Church serving as the main organiser.
Other denominations involved were the Anglican, Catholic, Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM), Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA), and Good News Fellowship (GNF), along with chapels from the surrounding communities.
Also present at the event were Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris and his wife Napsiah Abang Kaderi, Simunjan District police chief DSP Rafhan Kepli, Simunjan District Office administrative officer Melinda James, Penghulu Jubin Sili, and 2024 Simunjan Christmas Parade programme chairperson Chai Chang Yap.
