SIMANGGANG: An estimated 1,000 guests visited Simanggang Assemblyman Datuk Francis Harden Hollis’ Christmas open house here on Sunday.
He, who is also the Deputy Minister of Talent Development, said that the festival could be celebrated with joy after the government succeeded in curbing the spread of Covid-19 with various initiatives including the provision of free vaccines.
“This right step allows us to return to the original norm of life as it was before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
“Until then, we can gather in large numbers to celebrate Christmas while appreciating the meaning of harmony which is the backbone of the tolerance of the multi-racial community in Sarawak,” he said at the 2022 Christmas Open House here, yesterday.
He expressed his gratitude to approximately 1,000 visitors from various walks of life who attended after the long tradition of open houses was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Thank you to the people and the government for acting quickly to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“On this occasion, my family and I wish you a Merry Christmas 2022 and a happy new year 2023.
“May we all be kept away from any calamity, so that we can continue to live in peace towards the new year with new resolutions,” he said.
Harden also presented a donation check from the Other Religious Affairs Unit (Unifor) to the synagogue and an allocation check under the Rural Small Project (MRP).
A total of RM123,000 of the MRP allocation was handed over to 30 organisations and the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).
Meanwhile, an RM275,000 allocation from UNIFOR was given to two houses of worship in the Simanggang area, namely, Saint Luke’s Anglican Church and Sri Aman Buddhist Association.
