Christmas a platform that keeps people united - Salleh

He said the 'open house' and people calling on one another would strengthen unity, foster understanding and consolidate goodwill.

In the Sabah context, he said, Christmas was felt to be all the more significant among the various races and religions, and was something that should be emulated.

"The seeds of respect cultivated a long time ago remain lush. Religious difference is no barrier to visiting one another and sitting and eating at the same table in an atmosphere of goodwill.

"This is the symbol of the uniqueness of our society in diversity, a symbol of unity. That's the beauty we have in Sabah," he said in a post on his blog sskeruak.blogspot.my.

Salleh talked about his own experience with regard to acquaintances and the people in Sabah, saying that inter-marriage was common among Sabahans.

He said all religions taught good and the important thing was that understanding and approach must be pragmatic because the reality was that the people were from the same stock and Malaysia was their common homeland.

"Let's join forces and pool our efforts for the nation. Whatever our identity and our religion, whether it is Islam, Christianity, Buddhism and so on, we are all responsible for ensuring sustainable development and lasting peace in the country.

"Therefore, let's build religious harmony, by strengthening tolerance. Let's nurture the culture of mutual appreciation and mutual respect," he said.

With 2016 coming to a close, Salleh urged the people to face the new year with enthusiasm and hope, saying the country had achieved many successes despite the global economic turmoil.

"Therefore, in 2017, let's forge greater togetherness and work harder to boost our efforts. Merry Christmas 2016 and Happy New Year 2017," he said.