KUCHING: The Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) has been lauded as an initiative to unite and help all religious groups in Sarawak.
It received public praise after being revealed that Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia to give aid to non-Muslim bodies in constructing religious houses.
Unifor is a unit under the Chief Minister’s Office that reflects the state government’s inclusive policy.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, in his Christmas message, said that the state government would allocate RM50 million for Unifor next year.
The grants shall be for the physical development, repairs or renovation of various houses of worship besides securing construction site.
New Sarawak Tribune recently interviewed several individuals of different religious backgrounds for their opinions and comments on the initiative.
An insurance admin, 52-year-old Eleanor Rimbu said, “Unifor is a good initiative as Sarawak is widely known for its people who live in harmony and peace despite coming from different backgrounds.
“The state government wants to show us that everyone is included and not left behind. Besides that, I hope that the state government would focus on houses of worship in the rural areas as well.”
Eleanor explained that the people who live in longhouses had to visit different longhouses every Sunday as there were no houses of worship around.
“The distance between the longhouses and the market is far. I hope they will focus on the rural areas first,” she said.
Neysa Beatrice, a 23-year-old QC assistant at an architectural and construction company, also shared the same opinion, while hoping that the government would repair and upgrade certain of worship.
“I hope the government will do some minor reconstructions such as extending the parking spaces at various houses of worship; the churches for Sunday prayers; mosques for Friday prayers; and also temples for Buddhists and Hindus.
“This will enhance the unity among our people who come from different races and religions,” she said.
Neysa added that with the allocation, once the houses of worship have been repaired/renovated, any religious activities could be carried out perfectly.
In addition, Nur Ivy Eena, 28, an admin assistant at an insurance company hoped that the state government would not exclude any religions and promote equality in this initiative.
“We (Sarawakians) have been arguing a lot with each other, calling out names and touching on inequality or bias in religions of the people, on social media.
“I definitely welcome Unifor and its initiatives to help all religions in Sarawak to unite and remember that our state is known for peace, harmony and unity,” she said.
Hazirah Abu Bakar, 26, a young entrepreneur also shared the same opinion.
“I hope the state government will help those in the rural areas, villages and build houses of worship in the area.
“I also hope that with this initiative, the public would realise and appreciate the importance of unity, in terms of religion,” she said.
Meanwhile, 38-year-old Khartik said that he had high hopes for Unifor and thanked the state government for the initiative.
“After hearing that Unifor will also aid other religions aside from Islam, I’m really looking forward to what the government has in plans for this.
“The inclusiveness made us (Hindu) feel that we will finally be given the attention with the aid of the state government,” he added.
Khartik also hoped to see more Hindu temples in Kuching, perhaps in all cities in Sarawak.
“There are many Hindu Indians that migrate here for work. I hope this can ease their worries as there are only two Hindu Temples that everyone knows,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yeo Gin Keong, 55, a sales executive at a vehicle company said that he was overwhelmed with the news about Unifor.
“There is a rise of racism among our people (Sarawakians) lately. It is saddening to hear and read about racist remarks on social media.
“Through Unifor and their actions, I hope unity is restored before it deteriorates,” he added.
Yeo also advised the people to stay united and never to plant the seed of racism as it could break people apart.
