Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia should not emphasise race and religion but mutual respect and unity in diversity, said Tan Sri Simon Sipaun at the Alumni of La Salle and Sacred Heart Ex-students Association Christmas Party Saturday.
Sipaun who attended Sacred Heart primary school and Sabah College because La Salle did not exist until 1958, has remained a constant supporter of the alumni.
About 300 ex Lasalians, heartians and friends of all races and religions turned out for the event themed “May the true spirit of Christmas shine in your heart and light your path.”
Alumni President Datuk Ram Singh said he was pleased to see Alumni members, contemporaries and young ones who mingled around.
“I am so happy to see my ex-primary school buddies whom I haven’t seen for a long time,“ Sipaun beamed.
In his speech, Ram Singh said his exco would not forget those who had contributed to the progress of the alumni, both Sacred Heart and La Salle schools , Parent-teachers association and Board of Governors as well as techers.
“We have no enemies and are willing to work to foster unity and strength among ourselves in the alumni. That is our goal and objective and conviction,” Ram said.
The Alumni is mounting a Live Membership drive from 680 to 1000 . “To be a Live Member is indeed very special to the alumni , this is one way to grow in strength and unity while another reason is you may be eligible to be president, with certain conditions too,” he said.
“Please join if you have not done so.”
Organising chairman and deputy alumni president Kevin Padasian thanked exco mmebers who “worked tirelessly to organise the event and to get the help of sponsors Datuk Haji Rusdin bin Rima, Mary Gomes, Restoran Taj Curry House, John Fung, Tony Servatius Ewan, Joseph Dowd, Anthong Ching, Suzrina of Buts & Bites, Monex Moo and Borneo More Sdn Bhd.
