S’wak’s ‘A Christmas Carol, Sarawak in Diversity’ enters Malaysia Book of Records with 2,479 participants singing Christmas carol

Some of the 'A Christmas Carol, Sarawak in Diversity's carolers and participants are seen singing and enjoying themselves during the event.

KUCHING, Dec 4: Sarawak’s ‘A Christmas Carol, Sarawak in Diversity’ enters Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) with 2,479 participants singing a Christmas carol at Padang Merdeka yesterday (Dec 3).

The event, which took place on Sunday night at 8.15pm, saw the participants and carolers gathered at Padang Medeka in Kuching to sing the timeless melody of ‘O Holy Night’ and other Christmas songs in the heart of Kuching City.

The participants comprised members of various churches, associations and religious communities, namely St Joseph Cathedral, St Mark’s Church, St Ann’s Church, Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS), Sarawak Evangelical Church, Sarawak Blessed Church (SECA), Holy Trinity Church, Ngajat Asal Iban (NGASI) Association as well as members of the Taoist, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, and Baha’i communities.

A representative from MBOR (second left) presenting Dr Sim (yellow shirt) with the MBOR certificate while others look on.

During the gathering, Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who represented Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, also lighted up a Christmas tree to officiate at the event.

He was accompanied by Ministry in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, together with Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, and Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan.

Also present were Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, Kuching South City Council mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) director Datuk Jack Aman Luat and Kuching Roman Catholic Archbishop Simon Po.

Distinguished guests are seen joining the crowd in singing Christmas carols.

The words to ‘O Holy Night’ echoed throughout Padang Merdeka as the first carol performed by the participants, followed by ‘Feliz Navidad’, ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’, ‘Carols of the Bells’, ‘Deck the Halls’, ’12 Days of Christmas’, ‘Last Christmas’, and ended with another round of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’.

Performers dancing along to Christmas songs.

Organised by Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) and supported by TV Sarawak (TVS), the ‘A Christmas Carol, Sarawak in Diversity’ event will be aired on TVS television channel on Dec 23. — DayakDaily