KUCHING: The Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) distributed financial assistance totalling RM3.8 million to 30 Roman Catholic mission schools here.
Roman Catholic Mission Schools in Kuching advisor Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said this allocation would benefit a total of 1,658 students from secondary schools and 7,258 students from primary schools.
“This year, the Sarawak government has allocated a total of RM15 million to manage, improve and upgrade the infrastructure needs of mission schools in Sarawak,” he said, pointing out that this is the first time that such assistance was received by mission schools in the state.
“This initiative is a strong manifestation of the Sarawak government to enhance the prestige of mission schools, which have been a symbol and pillar of unity in Sarawak.
“This is in line with the state government’s commitment in practising a policy of inclusivity among all races and religions in Sarawak,” he said when officiating at the presentation ceremony of financial assistance to mission schools (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuching) for the year 2021 here on Tuesday (Nov 9).
He said apart from the Roman Catholic denomination in Kuching, the state government had also distributed financial assistance to 23 Roman Catholic mission schools in Sibu amounting to RM2.76 million and seven Roman Catholic mission schools in Miri amounting to RM840,000.
“Similarly, the Anglican Diocese of Kuching will receive an allocation of RM6 million for its 50 schools throughout Sarawak,” said Dr Penguang, who is also Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister.
As for the Methodist denomination, he said the Sarawak Iban Annual Conference would receive an allocation of RM960,000 for its eight schools whereas the Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference would receive an allocation of RM600,000.
He hoped that the funds would be put to good use and that in years to come, the state government would provide similar allocations, if not more.
Although mission schools were set up by Christian missionaries, he said the intake of students at mission schools here is not confined only to Christians but also to students of all races and religions.
“We are a multiracial state and I believe we ought to lead with the true spirit of Sarawakians as it was in the beginning and also today.”
He pointed out that Sarawak is the only state that have set up Unifor and assured that the state government will support the development of mission schools.
“I am proud to say that we are here today standing as a united people and to ensure that we will remain inclusive in whatever we do. We are true to the spirit of inclusivity, and we will not leave anybody behind regardless of their religion, background and race.”
Dr Penguang noted that apart from the funds for mission schools in Sarawak, the state government had also allocated RM5 million to assist houses of worship in covering their operation costs in view of the lack of weekly collections due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
