MIRI: The Sarawak government is always ready to help associations from various races in an effort to further strengthen inter racial and religious harmony, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said this was manifested by the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) which was established by the state government to look after other religions other than Islam in Sarawak.
He said even the Ministry of National Unity was impressed with Sarawak’s efforts through Unifor and its minister had planned to bring the Unifor concept to be presented to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.
Abang Johari disclosed this after presenting a special grant worth RM4.5 million to Persatuan Melayu Miri. The money would be used to finance part of the cost for the association’s building project.
The chief minister assured that similar assistance was extended to the Orang Ulu community through Forum which would also have its own building here.
Other communities here such as the Kedayan and Jati Miriek had also received attention of the GPS government, he said.
For the Dayak community, Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) and Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SGDS) are among the associations that have received state government assistance.
Also present during the presentation ceremony were Deputy Chief Ministers, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
