Deputy Minister: Policy of religious unity helps bolster harmonious environment in Sarawak

BELAGA (Sept 17): The policy of religious unity emphasised by the government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been pivotal in maintaining the strong spirit of harmony in Sarawak.

In pointing this out, Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Datuk Liwan Lagang highlights his constituency Belaga as a prime example of religious unity, where Muslims, Christians and believers of other faiths can coexist harmoniously, each practising their respective beliefs and developing their respective places of worship.

In this regard, Liwan says Sarawak is fortunate to have a Premier who considers the needs of all communities, and not just the Muslims.

“In Belaga, we have built a large church at Sungai Asap using the RM10 million allocation from the Premier, and we are also constructing a new district mosque, also funded by the Premier.

“In Long Busang, a new mosque and a new church have been provided by the Premier.

“These allocations are not from the local representatives, but are also from the Premier.

“Even though they are channelled through the representatives, they are contributions from the Premier as they are part of the Premier’s MRP (Minor Rural Project) grant,” he said in his speech for the closing ceremony of a ‘Central Worship Service for the Belaga Town Zone’ at Rumah Sekapan Piit, here last Sunday.

As reported by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), the Belaga assemblyman pointed out that the development of the church at Rumah Sekapan Piit was funded by the MRP grant and also by Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).

Later, Liwan announced that he agreed to allocate RM15,000 meant for the Central Worship Service for the Belaga Town Zone, in helping them organise and carry out future activities.