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By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, June 8: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he will discuss with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to ensure that Sarawak receives a fair share of the allocation for churches and temples in Peninsular Malaysia.
Anwar stated this during the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration which was held last night at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
“Regarding houses of worship, our policy to help Sarawak is indeed moving forward.
“For certain projects, I will discuss with the Premier, and we will ensure that whatever allocations are made in the peninsula for churches, temples, and so on, are also channeled to Sarawak,” Anwar said.
Earlier, in his speech, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas asked Anwar for federal funding for Sarawak’s Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
“We have 2,730 houses of worship of various religions and Unifor has received 782 applications for assistance amounting to RM485.7 million.
“The Sarawak government has approved RM100 million for Unifor this year but it has yet to receive any grant from the federal government.
“Therefore tonight, we humbly appeal for the Prime Minister to assist Unifor,” Uggah said.
Among others present at the event were Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib, Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, and Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian. — DayakDaily
