(Sibu, 21st) The Sarawak government will allocate RM120 million to the Sarawak Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) in 2026, demonstrating its continued commitment to promoting religious harmony, strengthening educational development, and ensuring that all people—regardless of religion or background—can fairly share in the state's development achievements.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari stated that RM20 million of the allocation will go to mission schools, and another RM10 million will be used to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education programs, with the aim of cultivating a new generation of highly skilled individuals capable of leading technological and economic development in the future.
He said that to date, the Sarawak government has approved a total allocation of RM685 million through UNIFOR. Of this, RM565 million has been used for the construction, upgrading, and maintenance of hundreds of various religious places of worship throughout Sarawak, while RM120 million has been allocated to mission schools that have long contributed to educational development.
"Investing in education is the essential foundation to ensure Sarawak’s children not only master modern technology but also become innovators, researchers, and future leaders, pushing Sarawak towards a higher level of development."
Abang Johari’s speech was delivered on his behalf by Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian at the 2026 Sarawak Day Thanksgiving Celebration for Other Religions held in Sibu yesterday.
Abang Johari pointed out that since the establishment of UNIFOR, the Sarawak government has always upheld a policy of treating all religions equally, further strengthening a culture of mutual respect, which has become a key feature of Sarawak’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
He said that places of worship are not only locations for religious activities but are also important centers for education, charity, humanitarian services, and the cultivation of good values, laying the foundation for a harmonious and upright society.
He emphasized that Sarawak’s real strength lies not only in economic development and infrastructure, but also in the enduring moral values, spirit of unity, and culture of mutual respect among the people.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari stated that the "Sarawak Maju Makmur" (Prosperous and Advanced Sarawak) vision focuses on building a more inclusive future through quality education, balanced development, and economic opportunities shared by all.
"At a time when many countries in the world face conflict, extreme ideologies, and social division, Sarawak must continue to uphold a culture of moderation, inclusiveness, and harmonious coexistence. This is Sarawak’s greatest asset and the precious legacy left to us by our predecessors."
He also took the opportunity to thank Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Sikh, and Baháʼí communities for their longstanding contributions to promoting social unity and humanistic development in Sarawak.
He said that to date, the Sarawak government has approved a total allocation of RM685 million through UNIFOR. Of this, RM565 million has been used for the construction, upgrading, and maintenance of hundreds of various religious places of worship throughout Sarawak, while RM120 million has been allocated to mission schools that have long contributed to educational development.
"Investing in education is the essential foundation to ensure Sarawak’s children not only master modern technology but also become innovators, researchers, and future leaders, pushing Sarawak towards a higher level of development."
Abang Johari’s speech was delivered on his behalf by Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian at the 2026 Sarawak Day Thanksgiving Celebration for Other Religions held in Sibu yesterday.
Abang Johari pointed out that since the establishment of UNIFOR, the Sarawak government has always upheld a policy of treating all religions equally, further strengthening a culture of mutual respect, which has become a key feature of Sarawak’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
He said that places of worship are not only locations for religious activities but are also important centers for education, charity, humanitarian services, and the cultivation of good values, laying the foundation for a harmonious and upright society.
He emphasized that Sarawak’s real strength lies not only in economic development and infrastructure, but also in the enduring moral values, spirit of unity, and culture of mutual respect among the people.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari stated that the "Sarawak Maju Makmur" (Prosperous and Advanced Sarawak) vision focuses on building a more inclusive future through quality education, balanced development, and economic opportunities shared by all.
"At a time when many countries in the world face conflict, extreme ideologies, and social division, Sarawak must continue to uphold a culture of moderation, inclusiveness, and harmonious coexistence. This is Sarawak’s greatest asset and the precious legacy left to us by our predecessors."
He also took the opportunity to thank Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Sikh, and Baháʼí communities for their longstanding contributions to promoting social unity and humanistic development in Sarawak.