BETONG: The Sarawak Government remains committed to ensuring that every religion is treated fairly and equitably in the state, reaffirming its long-standing policy of promoting interfaith harmony and inclusive development.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this commitment is reflected through continuous support and funding for non-Muslim places of worship and mission schools through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR).
“The Sarawak Government has approved an allocation of RM120 million this year through the Special Development Assistance Fund (SDAF) to support the development of non-Muslim places of worship and mission schools across Sarawak.
“Of this amount, RM90 million is allocated for the development and upgrading of non-Muslim places of worship, while another RM30 million is channelled to mission schools to strengthen educational facilities and support efforts to produce quality human capital for the state,” he said.
He said this in his text speech read by Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai at the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Thanksgiving Ceremony in conjunction with the Sarawak-level celebration of the Official Birthday of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVII held at Dewan Panglima Rentap, Betong here on Saturday (June 13).
He said the allocation also includes provisions for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives, that are aligned with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“This reflects the Sarawak Government’s recognition of the important role played by mission schools, which continue to contribute significantly to strengthening the state’s educational landscape and producing skilled, resilient human capital ready to face future challenges,” he added.
He also highlighted that His Majesty’s aspiration for national unity is deeply aligned with the spirit of the people of Sarawak, that has long been known as a land that celebrates diversity and upholds a strong culture of mutual respect among different races and religions.
“In Sarawak, we do not merely live in an atmosphere of tolerance; we live as one big family,” he said, noting that places of worship stand side by side and festivals are celebrated collectively across communities.
He added that this spirit of harmony is not accidental but the result of continuous efforts by all parties in nurturing understanding and unity.
Events such as the recent gathering, he said, are not merely official ceremonies but a reflection of Sarawak’s real strength as a model of national unity.
He also pointed out that Betong, as the host for this year’s official celebration, symbolises Sarawak’s harmonious society, where mosques, churches and temples coexist peacefully, reflecting strong community cohesion and mutual respect.
Earlier, the event began with a series of interfaith prayers representing Taoism, Sikhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and the Bahá’í faith, each led by their respective religious leaders.
“The Sarawak Government has approved an allocation of RM120 million this year through the Special Development Assistance Fund (SDAF) to support the development of non-Muslim places of worship and mission schools across Sarawak.
“Of this amount, RM90 million is allocated for the development and upgrading of non-Muslim places of worship, while another RM30 million is channelled to mission schools to strengthen educational facilities and support efforts to produce quality human capital for the state,” he said.
He said this in his text speech read by Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai at the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Thanksgiving Ceremony in conjunction with the Sarawak-level celebration of the Official Birthday of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XVII held at Dewan Panglima Rentap, Betong here on Saturday (June 13).
He said the allocation also includes provisions for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives, that are aligned with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“This reflects the Sarawak Government’s recognition of the important role played by mission schools, which continue to contribute significantly to strengthening the state’s educational landscape and producing skilled, resilient human capital ready to face future challenges,” he added.
He also highlighted that His Majesty’s aspiration for national unity is deeply aligned with the spirit of the people of Sarawak, that has long been known as a land that celebrates diversity and upholds a strong culture of mutual respect among different races and religions.
“In Sarawak, we do not merely live in an atmosphere of tolerance; we live as one big family,” he said, noting that places of worship stand side by side and festivals are celebrated collectively across communities.
He added that this spirit of harmony is not accidental but the result of continuous efforts by all parties in nurturing understanding and unity.
Events such as the recent gathering, he said, are not merely official ceremonies but a reflection of Sarawak’s real strength as a model of national unity.
He also pointed out that Betong, as the host for this year’s official celebration, symbolises Sarawak’s harmonious society, where mosques, churches and temples coexist peacefully, reflecting strong community cohesion and mutual respect.
Earlier, the event began with a series of interfaith prayers representing Taoism, Sikhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and the Bahá’í faith, each led by their respective religious leaders.