KUCHING: The state’s Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) asserted that the proposed Unifor complex will not divert it from continuing with its objectives of helping in the physical development of the many different houses of worship.
Unifor director Richard Lon told Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) Youth that having a ‘magnificent’ complex is not a sin and in fact, this will spur Unifor and Unifor Charitable Trust to do even more and go beyond from a much more conducive environment.
“The very fact that the Sarawak government had decided to give a 1.2ha premium site for the complex and a RM70 million grant to finance its construction speaks volumes of the significance and recognition for Unifor in its roles toward solidifying religious and racial harmony and unity in Sarawak.
“This recognition is earned not given,” he said in a statement yesterday in response to PSB Youth’s remarks that there is no need to waste RM70 million on a magnificent Unifor Complex unless the government can name the actual purposes of it.
He said currently, Unifor does not have its own place, and is operating from rented shoplots. And to have its own place is a dream come true for Unifor and for the matter, any organisation worth its salt.
“With the complex, Unifor and Unifor Charitable Trust will have more and bright options to be financially stable. They cannot expect the government to be its Santa Claus in giving financial hand-outs all the time.
“They have to be self-sustaining to be relevant and equal to the tasks expected,” he said.
He added Unifor is unique to Sarawak and many visitors and dignitaries are in awe over its nation building rationale and role.
“Unifor finds it very disheartening that the government’s noble intention has been misinterpreted for obvious political expediency.
“The PSB Youth in decrying the need for it to have its own place is a misjudged calculation and an exercise in nit picking. It is mind boggling as well for it to suggest Unifor should operate from the office of the Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who also oversees the state agriculture modernisation transformation in addition to handling native land and regional development affairs,” he said.
For the record since its inception in 2017 and until now, he said the state government has generously allocated a total of RM115 million to Unifor.
“These have allowed it to successfully undertake 520 infrastructural projects state-wide. They exclude those for this year which are still undergoing evaluation before grant approvals are given.
“We are glad we have put the roof in many roofless churches, temples or chapels. Also built were walls and all where bare foundations once stood, this has allowed more faithful worshippers to congregate and pray in more spacious halls. We have fulfilled many dreams in cities and towns as well as longhouses and settlements far and deep in the interiors,” Lon said.
