KUCHING: The development of non-Muslim places of worship in Sarawak received a boost by an additional RM10 million annual grant next year for the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) from the state government.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg saidthe increased allocation would enable UNIFOR to operate in 2024 with a total grant of RM110 million.
“I have allocated RM100 million for your annual grant, and with increased state revenue this year, I am supplementing this fund with an additional RM10 million. Recognising the surge in applications from places of worship, I know it will not be enough to cover all needs,” he said when speaking at theUNIFOR appreciation night dinner at Pullman Hotel here last night (Dec 20).
Acknowledging a request for funds from Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Archdiocese Simon Poh for the construction of the new St Peter’s Church, Abang Johari expressed openness to keeping it separate from UNIFOR funds.
“Archbishop Simon Poh whispered to me just now about funds for the ongoing construction of the new St Peter’s Church and asked if it’s possible to keep the allocation separate fromUNIFOR fund. I don’t mind if they want it to be separate,” he said.
Abang Johari also highlighted the support extended by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) elected representatives, utilising their Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants provide assistance.
“We help irrespective of your religious beliefs; I hold to thebelief that if you help people, God will help you.
“The state government under my leadership has helped the people. Under my leadership, we have significantly increasedour revenue within six years, reaching RM12 billion, which might see further growth up to 2030,” he said.
Stressing the importance of religious tolerance, Abang Johari urged Sarawakians to show respect towards all religions and races, espousing the need to refrain from provoking religious sensitivities.
“Under the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, our government prioritises social inclusivity and justice for all races and religions. Regardless of our political affiliations, be it Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) or Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), we in the GPS team stand united to safeguard Sarawak’s rights,” he added.
