Dr Sim: Support for houses of worship shows Sarawak govt’s commitment to inclusivity, interfaith harmony

KUCHING (Dec 11): The Sarawak government continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to inclusivity and interfaith harmony by providing ongoing support for the development of the Christian community and houses of worship across the state, said Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) reported the Deputy Premier as saying that the state government, under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has consistently supported the development of all houses of worship, recognising their role as centres that strengthen social wellbeing, unity, and harmony among Sarawak’s diverse communities.

He noted that Christians make up the largest religious group in Sarawak, with more than 1.2 million adherents and over 2,300 houses of worship across various denominations.

This reflects the diversity that forms the state’s foundation of strength, he said.

“Houses of worship are not just buildings, but centres that nurture values, unity, and community wellbeing. This is the true strength of Sarawak,” he said during a Pre-Christmas Dinner on Wednesday night.

The dinner was organised by the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), Sarawak Premier’s Department, in collaboration with the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS).

Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were the guests of honour.

Dr Sim said from 2017 to 2025, the Sarawak government approved hundreds of millions of ringgit under various funding channels, including Unifor, to support religious development.

The Christian community has been among the major beneficiaries, with thousands of improvement projects implemented, he said.

Dr Sim also highlighted the significant contributions of churches and Christian missionaries to education in Sarawak, particularly through the establishment of mission schools that have produced many leaders, professionals, and prominent figures.

“Mission schools do more than impart knowledge. They cultivate discipline, humanity, and leadership. In fact, the majority of Sarawak’s leaders today are products of this education system,” he pointed out.

He added that from 2021 to 2025, 129 mission schools received RM19 million in state funding to carry out more than 650 infrastructure improvement projects.

Separately, Astana Negeri Sarawak reported that ACS chairman the Rt Rev Datuk Danald Jute thanked Wan Junaidi for proposing the organisation of the Pre-Christmas Dinner, which he said successfully brought together people of different races and faiths.

During the event, the Head of State also presented contributions to The Salvation Army Kuching Children’s Care Centre, Home of Peace, and The Sarawak Cheshire Home.

Organisers also presented a cake to celebrate Wan Junaidi and Fauziah’s wedding anniversary, which fell on the same date.

Among those present were Dr Sim’s wife Datin Amar Enn Ong Seok Ean, Unifor director Datu Georgina Apphia Ngau, and Archdiocese of Kuching Roman Catholic Archbishop Datuk Dr Simon Poh.