By Alexandra Lorna & Natasha Jee
KUCHING: A total of RM255 million has been allocated to Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) by the state government since its formation in 2017, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said out of the total, RM215 million was allocated to build or repair houses of worship for non-Muslims, RM30 million for missionary schools and RM10 million for administrative purposes.
“As one of the concrete actions in reflecting the meaning of togetherness and inclusion, the Sarawak government has channelled aids to non-Muslims through UNIFOR on the basis that non-Muslims also need to be looked after by the government,” he said.
He said this when delivering his speech during the closing ceremony of the state-level Malaysian Family Aspirations Tour 2022 held at Dataran Perayaan, Petra Jaya here today.
He added that the Sarawak government has also provided an allocation of RM70 million to build the UNIFOR building in Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here.
“This building is for UNIFOR’s, so that its administration is more organised and the implementation of religious activities under UNIFOR is more orderly.
“I am confident and believe that togetherness in terms of religious development between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Sarawak will create a society that is friendly to each other and avoids prejudices that can cause division,” he added.
He also said that, as the head of the Sarawak government who is a Muslim, he has always insisted that the Charter of Medina is a very appropriate guide to guarantee a fair administration for the multi-ethnic and religious community in Sarawak.
