MALAYSIAN SOCIO-CULTURAL PROGRAMME ATTRACTS WORLD'S ATTENTION

KOTA KINABALU (Malaysia), Dec 18 (Bernama) -- Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the country's socio-cultural programmes have united the people, making Malaysia a peaceful and prosperous country and an attractive destination for visitors.

He said that joint celebrations of cultural events and the Open House
concept during Hari Raya, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Kaamatan and other
celebrations, were among steps taken by the government to promote unity among
the people.

"This shows that the government upholds religious freedom as provided for
in
the Federal Constitution," he said.

Speaking when opening a Christmas carnival here Wednesday night, he said,
the government would support any effort to promote social harmony, caring
attitude and tolerance among the people.

The carnival was jointly-organised by the Sabah Council of Churches, Kota
Kinabalu City Hall and Sabah Tourism Board.

Kota Kinabalu, formerly Jesselton, is the capital of Sabah state in
Malaysia. It is also the capital of the West Coast Division of Sabah. The city
is located on the northwest coast of Borneo facing the South China Sea.