SRI AMAN: A total of 778 projects valued at RM100.4 million and funded through the Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) have been completed, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said another 623 projects are actively being implemented with allocations totalling RM148.9 million.
“These projects include new building works, maintenance and repair works, renovation works and or purchasing of fittings, equipment and religious instruments for the houses of worship,” he said.
He said this in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian during the ‘Majlis Kesyukuran Agama-Agama Lain’ held in conjunction with the Sarawak Level Malaysia Day Celebration 2024 at the Sri Aman Civic Centre here Saturday (Sept 14).
Abang Johari stressed that the Sarawak government remains steadfast in ensuring the welfare of houses of worship across the state.
He assured that the initiative will continue under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government as part of efforts to develop Sarawak inclusively.
“With better deals from the federal government through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), we will be able to develop Sarawak which is as vast as the whole of Peninsular Malaysia, minus Perlis.
“What we asked from the federal leaders is fair and it’s also based on our legal rights as stipulated in the constitution and MA63,” he stressed.
Abang Johari also outlined the GPS government’s commitment to continue advancing Sarawak’s progress so that Sarawakians will continue to prosper together with other Malaysians.
He called on religious leaders to continue playing their crucial nation-building role in conveying the message of unity, peace and tolerance to their respective adherents to accommodate diversity and emphasise pluralism.
“Let us celebrate this auspicious occasion with hope and prayers for the wellbeing of our leaders so that they will continue to lead Sarawak and Malaysia to greater heights,” he added.
Also present were Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah and his wife Datin Seri Kelly Rebid, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datuk Buckland Bangik and his wife Datin Daisy Dayus and Director of Unifor Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau.
