Ministries, departments have allocations to organise various major festival celebrations

All the government ministries and departments have been given the greenlight to use their financial allocation to sponsor various major festival celebrations as it this would assist in promoting Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair this year.

“The Madaani government encourages the celebration of festivals such as Chinese New Year, Ponggal Aidilfitri, Wesak Day, Gawai Day, Pesta Ka’amatan, Deepavali and Christmas.

“It encourages togetherness, tolerance and unity among civil servants and the public. It is also in line with the National Unity Ministry’s goal of spreading understanding, respect and acceptance among Malaysians,” said National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang in his written reply.

“The Treasury Chief Secretary in a secular dated 13 February stated that: Ministry of Finance have given approval to officials to use existing financial allocations at the respective ministry and departments to sponsor programs in conjunction with major celebrations.

“It is in line with the government’s continues effort to promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia’s position as ASEAN Chair 2025.”

He said this in response to RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) who asked whether celebration of various festivals by the different ethnicities is encouraged by the unity government.

The issue is vital since the opposition bloc, Perikatan Nasional had made an issue when the Housing and Local Government Ministry organised Christmas celebration in December.