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RM30mil for Unifor next year

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Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas cutting the ribbon to officially open the Unifor office witnessed by Unifor director Datuk Dr Ngenang Jangu (right) and other guests. PHOTOS: RAMIDI SUBARI
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas touring the new Unifor office accompanied by Archbishop of Kuching Archdiocese Most Reverend Simon Poh and other guests.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas cutting the ribbon to officially open the Unifor office witnessed by Unifor director Datuk Dr Ngenang Jangu (right) and other guests. PHOTOS: RAMIDI SUBARI

KUCHING: The state government has increased the allocation for the Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) to RM30 million for next year, having given RM20 million in 2018 and RM15 million in 2017.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said although the allocation was not mentioned during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting recently, the state government had always been steadfast in its commitment to help other religions in Sarawak.

“The allocation for Unifor, which started with RM15 million, has been channelled since its formation in April 27, 2017 and later increased to RM20 million, and RM30 million for next year.

“After the implementation of the five per cent tax on petroleum, we will apply for Unifor allocation to be increased to RM50 million in the year 2020,” said Uggah in his speech when attending the blessing ceremony of the new Unifor office in Wisma Satok, yesterday.

Uggah, who is also the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, said that Unifor would also act as a platform for other religions in the state to interact with the Muslim community.

He said they were trying their best to avoid misunderstanding among the religions in the state in order to preserve the harmonious environment in Sarawak and also tolerance among Sarawakians.

“This is because misunderstanding on certain matters can easily become viral, especially through the social media, thus, creating confusion among the citizens,” he said.

Uggah also advised religious leaders to not respond to any ‘hot’ issues involving religion in social media.

“It is best for us to sit down and discuss the matter to ensure that the issues are well addressed, even though the issues come from Peninsular Malaysia,” said Uggah, adding that politicians were the ones who usually caused trouble by raising religious issues.

The current Unifor office is only temporary as they have been given three acres of land in Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, by which the Unifor building will be completed within three years.

Also present were Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Sim Kui Hian, Assistant Minister of Local Government Datuk Penguang Manggil, Assistant Minister for Water Supply Datuk Liwan Lagang and others.

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