PENAMPANG, 9 February 2026 — Penampang Member of Parliament Datuk Ewon Benedick contributed a total of 22 lion dance heads, including two dragon heads, to various Chinese associations and lion dance clubs within the Penampang parliamentary constituency in conjunction with the 2026 Chinese New Year celebrations.
Ewon, who is also Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development and Transport, said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to preserve cultural heritage while strengthening unity within the multiracial community.
“This is an annual programme that I carry out every year ahead of Chinese New Year. This year, in addition to the 22 lion and dragon heads, an additional dragon head was also donated by a corporate figure from Penampang,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the traditional eye-dotting ceremony for the lion and dragon dance heads here today.
According to Ewon, the initiative reflects the commitment of local leadership to ensure that the cultural traditions and heritage of the Chinese community continue to be preserved and passed on to future generations.
“This is a clear manifestation of the multiracial diversity in Penampang and Sabah, which must be safeguarded and continued as an example to other areas, particularly in strengthening unity and mutual respect,” he said.
Ewon also described the month of February as a unique period this year, as Ramadan begins just two days after Chinese New Year, highlighting Malaysia’s distinct multicultural and multireligious character.
“At the same time, the Christian community will also be entering an important season, Lent, which is a period of fasting for Christians. This reflects the dynamic religious diversity in our country that continues to be nurtured through mutual respect,” he added.
“We are fortunate that despite our different backgrounds and political views, the people are still able to live together peacefully. Not many countries in the world are able to celebrate diversity in this way,” he said.
Ewon called on Malaysians to uphold and protect cultural traditions regardless of political differences, stressing that unity is crucial to preserving national harmony.
“When we are divided, it will affect the Malaysian Federation and the harmony we enjoy in this country,” he said.
