KOTA KINABALU: The annual Harmony Run should be elevated into an international event next year to position Sabah globally as a model of racial and religious tolerance, said Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister noted that with 2026 designated as Visit Malaysia Year, the timing would be ideal to showcase the event on the international stage.
Speaking at the flag-off today, Joniston urged the organiser, KSRun Athletic Club, to begin preparations to rebrand the event as the International Harmony Run, citing the strong participation from outside Sabah.
“This run reflects Sabah’s emphasis on racial and religious harmony. The fact that many runners came from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Brunei demonstrates its potential to go global,” he said.
This year’s Harmony Run attracted 2,200 participants, more than half of whom were from outside the state, underscoring its growing appeal as both a cultural and sporting showcase.
Joniston said Sabah’s multicultural and multireligious society — with about 40 ethnic groups coexisting harmoniously — provided the state with a unique advantage to host such an event.
He stressed that elevating the run to an international platform would not only strengthen the spirit of unity but also draw running enthusiasts from abroad, boosting tourist arrivals during Visit Malaysia 2026.
“This is timely because visitors will not just come for a holiday. They can also take part in the Harmony Run as part of their itinerary while experiencing Sabah’s rich cultural diversity,” he added.
Joniston also highlighted that the run’s route itself symbolised inclusivity, passing by the State Mosque, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sikh Gurdwara and Buddhist Peak Nam Tong Temple.
Also present at the flag-off were Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) Deputy Director Awang Juri Ag. Tahir, Sacred Heart Cathedral Pastoral Council Chairman Datuk Bernard Liew, Sikh Gurdwara Head Datuk Ram Singh and Putatan Tai Pak Kung Mission Representative Wong Yun Kong.
