MIRI: The Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) is proof that religious freedom is flourishing in Sarawak, said Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
“The setting up of Unifor by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak state government clearly shows its commitment to religious freedom in the state,” he said.
Dennis made the comments during the handing over of a RM100,000 grant to Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Daleh Long Pelutan at Long Miri last Sunday.
“I am referring to the huge amount of state funds allocated to Unifor since 2016 to assist and finance non-Muslim houses of worship in the state,” he said.
“This can only be realised because our state leadership is in the hands of local parties and local leaders. Hence, Sarawakians should be proud of our state government and leadership under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.”
Dennis also revealed that Unifor had received thousands of requests for funds since its inception in 2016.
He urged churches which had not received any response to contact his office or the officers at Unifor.
This year, several churches in Telang Usan Constituency had received grants from Unifor, namely BEM Daleh Long Pelutan at Long Miri (RM100,000), St Paul Long San (RM100,000), BEM Sri Kinawant (RM100,000), BEM Long Temala (RM40,000) and BEM Long Bedian (RM100,000).
Dennis advised churches which had received the state grants to use them to repair or upgrade their
buildings.
“Make the necessary report and send it to Unifor and send a copy of the report to my office,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were the village headman Tingang Pahang and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Telang Usan Youth chief Cr Dominic Nyurang.
