Premier: Sarawak govt remains committed to assisting houses of worship

KUCHING (Sept 14): The Sarawak government, through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), remains committed to ensuring the welfare of houses of worship across the state.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that significant funds have been allocated to support various development, maintenance, and repair projects for houses of worship.

“So far, 778 projects have been successfully completed at a total cost of RM100.4 million, while another 623 projects are actively being carried out with an allocation of RM148.9 million.

“These projects include a range of works such as new construction, maintenance, repairs, renovations, and the purchase of equipment and religious instruments for the houses of worship,” he said in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report.

His text speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the Majlis Kesyukuran Agama-Agama Lain held in connection with the state-level Malaysia Day celebration 2024 at Dewan Suarah Sri Aman today.

In this regard, Abang Johari assured that such efforts would be continued by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government as part of their pledge to develop the state inclusively.

“With a more favourable agreement in place with the federal Government through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), we are optimistic about developing Sarawak, which is almost the size of the entire Peninsular Malaysia, except Perlis.

“What we are demanding from the federal leaders is fair and based on our rights as enshrined in the Constitution and MA63,” he said.

He also emphasised the GPS government’s commitment to continue advocating for the advancement of Sarawak, so that the people of the state can progress equally with other Malaysians.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari urged religious leaders to continue playing a vital role in conveying messages of unity, peace, and tolerance to the community.
He noted that this is crucial to ensure that the values of pluralism and diversity continue to be appreciated.

“Let us together celebrate this meaningful event with prayers and hopes that our leaders will continue to lead Sarawak and Malaysia towards greater progress,” he added.

Among those present were Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and his deputy Datuk Francis Harden Hollis; Deputy State Secretary Datu Buckland Bangik; and Unifor director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau.