The 2003 Christmas Open House became
an event organized for the sake of wooing Christian voters rather than
to celebrate the true meaning and spirit of Christmas
Press Statement
by Teresa Kok
(Kuala Lumpur, Monday):
It is regrettable that the 2003 Christmas Open House organized by the
Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism and the Sabah State Government on 27th
December 2003 is unfortunately an event organized by the BN government for
the sake of wooing the Christian voters and not to celebrate the true
meaning of Christmas, which ought to have been, in the first place.
Being an invited guest and audience of the Christmas Open House, I am most
disappointed with the program for that night. Principally because Christmas
is a day where the world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ the Savior,
instead it was ridiculously turned into an ordinary performance of songs and
dances only. Never was there even one mention of the name of Jesus or the
message and spirit of Christmas in the speeches of the honorary guests like
our Prime Minister who officiated the opening of the event nor was such
mention as well in the speeches of the Masters of Ceremony.
Besides, the basic symbols of Christmas, i.e. the Cross, the statues of baby
Jesus, His earthly parents like Mary and Joseph and the 3 wise men who
sought to worship the infant Jesus has not been mentioned in the program at
all, but ironically, the organizers has put up Christmas trees and Santa
Claus as the focus point and icons of the event. This is absolutely against
the true meaning of the celebration of Christmas and an affront to the
Christian Community.
Another unacceptable part of the program which is considered insulting is
that the organizers had arranged an obscene batik wear show involving 30
scantily clad young women on stage under the guise of promoting a Miss
Tourism event. The intention of the organizers to promote batik wear is
wholly misplaced in respect of this programme as it had No relevance to the
celebration of Christmas, which is a celebration of a HOLY Christian Day.
Being a Christian elected representative, I applaud the efforts made by the
Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism and the Sabah State Government on
organizing the Christmas Open House because such events do promote
understanding and interaction among different races and people of different
beliefs, which will forge and contribute to social harmony in our plural
society. However, it is most regrettable that the program of this Christmas
celebration did not achieve these noble objectives but instead it has
reduced a holy celebration to utter disappointing and insipid
entertainment.
In this regard I
will be writing officially to the Minister of Culture Tourism & Arts
Malaysia and to the Chief Minister of Sabah to ensure that future
celebrations of Christmas’ are organized with such Christian
sensitivities in mind.
(29/12/2003)
* YB Teresa Kok, MP
for Seputeh and DAP Sabah Affairs Liaison Chief
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