Chin Chaw Yew Praises UNIFOR’s Contribution; Implementation of Religious Harmony in Action

(Miri, 28th) — Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism and Piasau State Assemblyman Dato Chin Chaw Yew stated that religious harmony in Sarawak is not just an oral commitment, but is embodied through concrete actions. The establishment of the Sarawak Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) by the state government is the strongest proof of this.
Chin Chaw Yew expressed these remarks while officiating the preliminary round of the "East Malaysia Good Voice 2.0" Veteran Mixed-Gender Mandarin Karaoke Singing Competition, organized in conjunction with the Ba Xian Temple in Miri to celebrate the 1000th Anniversary of Revered Master Li’s Birthday last night.
He said that Sarawak society has long been able to maintain mutual respect and tolerance among different religions and ethnic groups, which is precisely the result of the state government’s efforts to promote harmony."
"Today we gather at the temple. Even though our beliefs may be different, everyone is able to communicate and come together through music. This is the most beautiful aspect of Sarawak."

He pointed out that since the establishment of the Sarawak Unit for Other Religions, a cumulative sum of over RM556.5 million has been invested. Of this, RM475 million has been used for religious premises construction and maintenance, and another RM90 million for development and improvement of mission schools. This year (2025), the Sarawak government has also specially allocated RM111 million, of which RM90 million will be used to upgrade religious premises and RM20 million for mission schools.
Chin Chaw Yew also encouraged participants to bravely showcase their talents, spread positive energy through singing, and wished all contestants good luck in the competition. He emphasized that singing not only cultivates one's temperament but also reminds everyone to pay attention to physical and mental health in life.
He said, "The harmonious atmosphere in Sarawak is our pride. The efforts of UNIFOR and the support of the government ensure the ongoing continuation of this harmony."

After 60 singers competed for the championship in the preliminary round, the following 20 contestants qualified for the finals: Chen Yingqi, Lai Shunming, Li Yuanqing, Lai Xiuying, Zhang Zhenglong, Huang Naian, Peng Qixin, Lin Yongqiang, Yu Xiaoyan, Huang Xiangde, Li Qiaoling, Shen Shunhe, Huang Fuchun, Yan Chuanjiu, Luo Rencai, Yu Xinyun, Huang Guoqiang, Cai Wanjun, Guo Yuehong, and Ruan Chunsheng. They will compete for the championship, runner-up, second runner-up, Elite Award and Excellence Award at the finals on September 28.
In the preliminary round, Zhang Zhenglong won the Best Stage Presence Award for men, Yan Chuanjiu won Best Costume Award for men, while both the Best Stage Presence and Best Costume Awards for women went to Yu Xiaoyan.