Premier: S’wak allocates RM385 mln for non-Muslim houses of worship since Unifor’s Inception

KUCHING (Oct 11): The Sarawak government has allocated a total of RM385 million to non-Muslim houses of worship in the state since the establishment of the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

This reaffirms the state government’s commitment on inclusivity to houses of worship of other religions in the state, he said.

“To date, we have seen the completion of 807 projects amounting to RM109.8 million and 616 more ongoing projects totalling to RM120.5 million funded by Unifor grants.

“The financial assistance is to facilitate physical development and upgrading of their houses of worship, to ensure that these sacred institutions provide optimal comfort for worshippers.

“It is given to assist in completion of churches and temples when their budgets are insufficient whereby the building and maintenance costs exceed their funds,” he added.

His text speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during the Other Religions Thanksgiving Dinner in conjunction with the 78th anniversary celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar held at a hotel here tonight.

Abang Johari gave his assurance that the Sarawak government will continue to be generous, providing the necessary funding for the houses of worship through Unifor.

“As a Muslim, I believe in the basic principle whereby the more we give, the more we will be blessed by the Almighty, which I believe is also found in all our religious beliefs,” he said.

The thanksgiving dinner, organised by Unifor, saw the Christians, Buddhists, Baha’is, Hindus, Taoists and Sikhs praying in their respective beliefs for the wellbeing of the Head of State.

The prayer was led by Kuching Roman Catholic Archbishop Simon Poh; followed by prayers and blessings in Buddha, Baha’i, Hindu, Tao, Anglican and Sikh.

Among those who were also present were state Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting.