KOTA KINABALU, Dec 22 — The Christian community at a Sabah varsity here successfully held their Christmas party on campus yesterday with a record attendance, after an initial “misunderstanding” initially forced students to organise the event at a nearby auditorium.
A senior lecturer in attendance said that the event, held at University Malaysia Sabah’s chancellory hall was attended by an unprecedented crowd of over 2,000 people, with more members of the public joining in the merriment than previous years.
“Two years ago, there were about 1,000 students. Last year, we had more than that, with the addition of a few non-university students. This year, there was definitely more members of the public,” said the lecturer.
“The students are obviously happier to have it on home ground. Some of them still have to take buses from their dormitories but it is still closer than the previous location planned,” said the lecturer who did not want to be quoted.
Last month, United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation acting president Datuk Madius Tangau raised allegations that the university had not approved the Christian group’s Christmas party for the past three years unless it was held outside of the campus.
However, the school denied such allegations, claiming that it was a “misunderstanding” and they had approved it but had reservations due to parking constraints. They said that the organisers could then choose to have the event on or off campus.
Tangau however had told reporters that that the change of heart came after Deputy Education Minister Datuk Mary Yap contacted the university and intervened for the application to be approved.
UMS deputy vice chancellor in charge of student affairs Dr Ismail Ali said that the event yesterday went smoothly without incident and the organisers could have their Christmas party on campus in the future within the rules.
“There is no issues. As long as they keep within the rules and regulations, we will allow any kind of celebration. We, after all, support the 1Malaysia concept of racial integration,” he said when speaking to the Malay Mail Online today.
Special Tasks Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang who was the guest of honour at the event yesterday said that such event on campus could foster unity and religious tolerance among the students of different races and religion.
“This spirit of unity is an important aspect in life especially when we step into the working world later on.
“This harmony should be brought forward and continuously practiced within the population. The multiracial harmony that Sabah and Sarawak are so known for is evident in an event such as this,” he said in his speech.
