KUCHING: The Sarawak government, through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), has presented an additional grant of RM1.5mil for the construction of the Diocese of Kuching’s House of Epiphany (HoE), on top of the RM7mil announce last year.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the state government would continue to assist other religions, which was why the additional grant was given so that the RM10mil HoE could be built.
“The state has given a grant of RM7 million for the HOE in 2019, and the church has managed to raised RM1.5 million, so well I say let us top to round it up to RM10 million, and today I am here to present to you another RM1.5 million.
“It is indeed very important for us, especially Unifor, to play our part, to make sure the promises that we make be fulfilled, and that is why we are here today,” he said when speaking at a ceremony to present the grant on today.
He said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s policy had always been one of inclusiveness, especially in looking after the welfare of other religions.
“In Sarawak, we live peacefully together … if you look around, we have temples, mosques, churches of various denominations here…we live peacefully together.
“And that is the asset of Sarawak, and that asset of unity has been acknowledged by our friends from West Malaysia.”
Uggah, who is also the minister in-charge of Unifor, said Minister of National Unity Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sidique, during her recent visit to the state, had been impressed with Unifor.
“She said they really appreciated how peaceful we are in Sarawak, and wanted us to present Unifor roles to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“…and hoping that the people there will be as open as us in the state on religious matters and perhaps set up their Unifor in other states.”
Meanwhile, Bishop of Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute thanked Abang Johari for the state government’s earlier contribution of RM7mil.
“The cost of the HoE is about RM10.3mil or more, but to make the place functional, we need to at least have another RM3mil for it to be equipped with all the facilities and equipment.
“Therefore, I would like to make yet another appeal to the state government for a little more help.”
He hoped the government would continue to assist not just the Anglican church, but also other religious bodies.
“It is also our hope that Unifor be further enhanced or elevated in its status, more funds should be allocated to the unit so that it would be able to help more places of worship and not just Christians.”
“We salute the inclusive policy of our chief minister, and this augurs well for a better Sarawak, a better community where we love, honour, respects one another.”
Later, Uggah also witnessed the agreement signing between Danald and Leya Construction chief executive Kenny Ho for the construction of the HoE.
The HoE building, a theological college for the Anglican Diocese of Kuching will be constructed adjacent to St Thomas’ Cathedral, Jalan McDougal here.
Also present were Unifor director Richard Lon.
