Beyond worship: Before and after UNIFOR

By Lian Cheng and Marlynda Meraw

Before the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) was formed, many houses of worship across Sarawak, particularly those in the rural interior and those belonging to smaller faith communities, carried on in modest circumstances.

Roofs bowed gently under the weight of years, walls bore the marks of humid seasons, and lighting was too soft to read a prayer book by. Fans whirred with a weary creak, and facilities were simple and in need of care. Some places of worship stood unfinished, a handful of pillars reaching towards the sky, waiting patiently for completion.

Such waiting was not unusual. A house of worship could take years or even decades to complete, and some never saw their final stone laid. Each contribution was given with a full heart, but for small congregations and remote communities, raising funds was a hefty labour.

These foundational realities were championed through the distinct leadership visions of three key figures, each steering Sarawak’s UNIFOR across critical evolutionary stages.

The movement first took root under the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, who advocated the cause with his unwavering commitment to religious harmony and inclusivity. Recognising the financial struggles faced by non-Muslim religious bodies, he laid the vital groundwork by formally acknowledging their societal contributions and initiating State financial grants.

Building upon that inclusive legacy, Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg expanded and supported the initiative further. He officially established UNIFOR in April 2017, institutionalising it into a permanent government body under his department. He subsequently scaled up annual State funding from millions to tens of millions of ringgits and allocated dedicated land for houses of worship, ensuring long-term financial security and structural permanence.

Stepping in to guide its execution, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas took active charge as the Minister in-charge. Tasked with steering the Unit’s development from the ground up, Uggah provided the oversight needed to ensure that State policies and funding effectively translate into enduring support and community impact for Sarawak’s diverse religious groups.

Since its institutionalisation, UNIFOR has helped turn those long waits into new beginnings. As it approaches a decade of service, its impact on various communities has been immeasurable, felt in every restored hall, every completed sanctuary and every congregation that now gathers with renewed joy. The gratitude of those it has served only deepens its meaning.

Uggah who has helmed the institution since its inception, has been at the forefront of shaping UNIFOR into a symbol of religious inclusivity and harmony. It stands as a beacon of Sarawak’s openness, one that embraces diversity rather than merely tolerating it. That spirit now has a home in the RM80 million UNIFOR Complex, a landmark that Sarawakians count among their proudest achievements.

Inclusivity and transparency

 The Unit holds a significant place in Sarawak’s socio-economic development, most of all in social inclusivity. Together with environmental sustainability and economic prosperity, inclusivity forms one of the three core pillars of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

“Now, no one will not be left behind. Inclusivity is a very, very vital policy for GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak). Among the programmes that indicate, support, or evidential to show the inclusive policy is the setting up of UNIFOR,” uttered Uggah with an unshakeable resolve during an exclusive interview held at his office at Wisma Bapa on September 21, 2026.

Getting there took time. There were lengthy discussions, and religious leaders were consulted. Among them were the Associated Church of Sarawak (ACS) president Datuk Bishop Danald Jute and Archbishop of Kuching Dato Simon Poh. Even the name “UNIFOR” took a while to settle.

In 2017, the idea became a reality, with a clear purpose: to look after the welfare of Sarawak’s non-Islamic religious groups that includes Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Bahá’ís, and Taoists.

For 2026 alone, RM90 million has been set aside to upgrade and repair houses of worship. So far, RM35 million has been distributed across 148 projects, with the remainder to be released later in the year.

To keep the process open to everyone, applications are made through a digital platform called the Other Religions Service Management System (ORSEM), built for ease of use, transparency and accountability. Applicants submit their proposals online, and UNIFOR reviews them.

Once a proposal is approved, a quantity surveyor from the Sarawak Works Department (JKR) will be sent to look at the design, the status of the land and the project cost. Various issues have to be settled along the way, land ownership above all. After each proposal has been assessed from these angles, it will be deliberated before a committee which decides the amount of funding.

Their testimonies

UNIFOR’s well-intent policy and careful delivery have won appreciation from many of Sarawak’s faith communities. Bishop Danald who is also the Anglican Bishop of Kuching, agreed that UNIFOR has helped churches get built sooner. In its usual practice, the church would raise funds for a building project on its own, which often took years. UNIFOR’s funding has shortened that journey considerably. In his view, the Unit has played a central part in moving the religious communities forward.

“Before UNIFOR was established, many churches, chapels and schools were in such a state that, in the words of Datuk Amar Douglas—‘ada tiang, but no bumbung’ (have pillars, but no roof).”

The funding matters most in rural areas, he said, where building a place of worship or a school is a real struggle because incomes are lower and fundraising is harder. UNIFOR has also given substantial support to mission schools across Sarawak.

Danald pointed out to the RM11 million House of Epiphany, the Anglican Diocesan Training College in Kuching as an example of a project fully funded by UNIFOR. Three other major projects are under way: a youth centre, a columbarium and St Barnabas Church in Miri, where the Premier had given the site a personal visit after approving the land allocation.

“For these and many others, the impact on the local community is tremendous. There are hundreds of other examples I could share. I am sure the other heads of churches and religious communities can testify to how much this funding from UNIFOR has done for us all,” he said.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Poh sees UNIFOR’s funding as a subsidy that allows a project to commence straight away.

“This saves time and money, as material costs will rise, and the houses of worship can be completed sooner. The funding has also enabled many churches to upgrade their buildings and their internal fittings, such as sound and lighting, making the church and appropriate place of worship for the community,” explained Poh.

His testimony was further echoed by the Chairman of Malaysian Buddhist Association Dato Sri Tay Chin Kin.

Tay estimated that there are more than 600 temples in Sarawak, and many have received UNIFOR assistance for much-needed renovations and better facilities. These make the temples safer and more welcoming for worship, learning and community activities.

“When our temple is well lit, clean and organised, the children are assured and happy to allow their elderly parents to come and spend time there. Parents are comfortable letting their teenagers attend, and young adults may decide to join youth activities, because the place is safe and comfortable,” said Tay.

A place where everyone belongs

For the Hindus of Sarawak, a small community in a State of many faiths, being counted matters as much as being served. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Association president Dato Shankar Ram Asnani said it had been strongly felt that they are not forgotten.

The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple stands as proof of that; housing a complete set of deities, among them the oldest Hindu deity in Sarawak. Its Raja Gopuram, the monumental entrance tower that greets every worshipper, rises 18 metres and weighs 600 tonnes, making it the tallest of its kind in Borneo. It has become one of the landmarks of Kuching, and UNIFOR “has a hand” in how it came to be.

Shankar and his committee had already gathered generous donations from devotees and well-wishers. UNIFOR’s assistance, which he described as “invaluable” allowed the temple to be completed in the manner Hindu tradition asks for: observing the proper rites and doing things the right way, down to importing granite deities carved in India by some of its finest craftsmen. For a temple, how it is built matters as much as the fact that it is built, and this support meant that nothing had to be compromised.

The effect reached well beyond the structure itself. According to Shankar, the believers truly feel that they are part of Sarawak, that they are respected, and that the Sarawak government cares for them. A completed temple gives a community more than a place to pray.

That feeling is not confined. Believers of every faith in Sarawak who have received help from UNIFOR and the State government share similar gratitude and the same sense of belonging.

For the Taoist community, president of the Federation of Sarawak Temple Associations Dato Sri Richard Wee Liang Chiat views UNIFOR as a unique organisation in Malaysia; one that displays a fair and transparent process in assisting all non-Islamic religions in the State.

Pointing to the development of the historic Muara Tebas Qing Shan Yan Temple, Wee highlighted UNIFOR’s close collaboration through every stage, from planning and tendering to construction and completion. This open process ensures that every ringgit allocated is fully and effectively applied toward the temple.

“It has been a journey we shared. We are grateful and thankful to have such a Unit set up by the Sarawak government,” said Wee.

This spirit of equal stewardship extends to every faith regardless of numerical size.

Tahereh Bidanjiri Phung, Director of the Office of External Affairs for the Bahá’ís of Sarawak appreciates UNIFOR’s recognition that every spiritual community is vital to Sarawak’s diversity.

To her, UNIFOR is more than just a mechanism for financial aid; it is an active expression of the government’s commitment to ensuring every community feels seen and valued.

In the future, Tahereh hopes UNIFOR can serve as a bridge for the younger generation to build lasting interfaith friendships and explore their role in building the nation together.

“When our younger generation learns to see beyond religious differences and recognise our shared humanity and aspirations, we strengthen the foundation for a more united Sarawak,” said Tahereh.

This sentiment is strongly resonated within the Sikh community. Dato Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, president of the Sarawak Sikh Temple Association noted that UNIFOR’s genuine respect for smaller populations translates into real action, such as supporting gurdwaras and major cultural observances like Vaisakhi.

“Through UNIFOR, the Sarawak government promotes religious freedom, equality, mutual respect, and unity amongst the people of different faiths in Sarawak.

“This shows that every religion is valued and respected, helping Sarawak be the showcase for religious harmony in the country,” Dr Kalwinder shared.

For spiritual communities like the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), that backing serves as a significant anchor. ISKCON Sarawak representative Krishnarao a/l Subramaniam @ Prabhu expressed deep appreciation for the reassurance UNIFOR provides, allowing faith traditions to flourish authentically.

He noted that during major celebrations such as Deepavali, UNIFOR’s support enables ISKCON to share the spiritual depth of their heritage: such as the homecoming of Lord Sri Rama to Ayodhya, cultivating broader appreciation for Hindu values across the wider public.

“On behalf of ISKCON Sarawak, we sincerely appreciate the continuous support and commitment of UNIFOR.

“It is truly heartening to know that our faith is valued and that we are given the opportunity to contribute positively to the well-being of Sarawak’s multicultural society,” Krishnarao said.

By scaling its funding allocations year after year, reaching tens and eventually hundreds of millions of ringgits, the Sarawak government has turned equitable State support into a tangible reality. For communities that often feel overlooked in broader national landscapes, this consistent backing ensures they never have to compromise on their traditions or spiritual identity.

In the end, UNIFOR does more than build houses of worship and fund celebrations. It builds a place of shared trust across every corner of the State, sending a message that in Sarawak, every faith has a voice, every tradition has a home, and every heart truly belongs.

Fostering togetherness

UNIFOR’s work reaches well beyond funding. Its establishment has given Sarawak’s faith communities an excellent platform for interfaith engagement.

Tay pointed out that these initiatives have steadily strengthened understanding and harmony among the different religious communities, and have encouraged closer cooperation among people of diverse faiths.

“Through this platform, we are able to work together in greater harmony towards building a more peaceful, united and prosperous society,” he said.

Shankar and Krishnarao underlined one practice of UNIFOR’s he found particularly special: the celebration of major religious festivals together. The Hindus in Sarawak, he said, were proud to have witnessed State-level Diwali celebrations, held the Sarawak way, hosted alongside the Unit.

This account was further supported by Poh.

“Each religion is given support to organise a dinner in conjunction with its festival: a Christmas High Tea for the Christians, Wesak Day for the Buddhists, Diwali for the Hindus and Guru Nanak Day for the Sikhs, for instance. The heads of all religions are invited to these open days, where their friendship, their commitment to bettering society and their cooperation are reinforced.

“Apart from that, UNIFOR also organises the Majlis Kesyukuran (Thanksgiving Ceremony), where the heads of various religions are brought together to pray on special days such as Sarawak Day, Malaysia Day, the TYT’s Birthday and the Agong’s Birthday,” Poh explained.

In this way, UNIFOR has brought religious stakeholders together and given them a place to raise concerns and work towards harmony, built on friendship, mutual respect and acceptance.

This showed most clearly during the pandemic years, when houses of worship had to close to contain the spread of Covid-19. Poh recalled that the heads of all religions followed the same safety protocols, issued by UNIFOR under the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).

“The Unit went beyond providing financial aid. It became a united front that played an instrumental part in containing the spread of Covid-19, for the safety of Sarawakians during the pandemic years.

“UNIFOR has many engagements with the heads of religions together on issues of safety and security in houses of worship, funeral practices and burial grounds,” Poh said.

UNIFOR Complex

Inaugurated on April 26, 2026, the UNIFOR Complex is now the Unit’s administrative centre and its hub for interfaith coordination on non-Muslim religious affairs in Sarawak. The 10-storey building stands tall in what it represents: the Sarawak government’s commitment to religious fairness and freedom.

It is another source of pride for Sarawakians, a landmark of unity and, in Uggah’s words, “a very clear reflection of Sarawak’s inclusive policy”. Its doors are open to all. The conference room and the open space on the 10th floor are free for any non-Islamic group to use by contacting Sarawak Unit for Other Religions Charitable Trust (SUCT).

Uggah pointed to a detail he found interesting: UNIFOR Complex sitting along Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, and at the far end of the same road stands the Islamic Information Centre.

That unity is carried out through a multi-religious advisory council, made up of various non-Islamic leaders and chaired by Uggah. The council meets from time to time, and everyone is given the chance to raise concerns. When a sensitive matter arises, the council looks for a way to settle it together, rather than letting it simmer in public and grow into something larger that could possibly lead to a havoc.

“It (multi-religious advisory council) has been doing very well. I think we have done well on all this. And I hope these principles will continue to be practiced and appreciated by all Sarawakians,” Uggah said.

STEM mission

The annual allocation for upgrading and repairing mission schools was raised from RM20 million to RM30 million in 2026. The additional RM10 million will go towards facilities for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, particularly in rural mission schools.

“A lot of these mission schools are in the rural areas. And this fund, we hope, will be able to assist them to improve their performance, academic performance especially, and their interest in science subjects,” Uggah said.

The increase grew out of a concern he raised. The Sarawak government offers the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) to all Sarawakians, but how many students from rural areas can take full advantage of it if they are unable to enter science and technology courses?

By improving STEM facilities in rural mission schools, the government hopes more of their students will qualify for FTES, lifting their living standards and helping to build a high-tech workforce for the State.

Sarawak has 125 mission schools. Well-known ones in the city, such as St Thomas and St Joseph, are already well equipped. Since 2022, the State has allocated funds to mission schools for infrastructure, including boarding houses, classrooms and teachers’ quarters. With much of that work done, UNIFOR is now turning its attention to nurturing students’ interest in science, starting with facilities such as science laboratories.

“Beginning from this year, we are going to include material that will assist them to upgrade their knowledge of science. That is where the STEM programme comes in. One of our roles is to make sure that they (students) are exposed to science subjects.

“The ultimate task for UNIFOR is to see that the assistance continues. And that assistance will be prudently implemented, first, with the objective of upgrading their infrastructure to provide physical facilities for the students. Second, there will be motivation programmes, in the hope of enhancing their academic performance. I think those are very, very critical. Together with that comes the instilling of values that will help them move on to the future,” Uggah said.

Allocations for mission schools began in 2021 and have reached RM120 million in total. Allocations for religious bodies began in 2017 and stood at RM685 million in 2026.

Mission possible

 Of Sarawak’s 125 mission schools, 32 are Catholic mission schools, located in Bau, Kuching, Kota Sentosa, Padawan and Serian. Another 50, spread across the State, come under the Anglican church.

“Our schools are decades old. That means most of them are aged. As they were built by the local communities, they are quite dilapidated,” Danald said.

He paid tribute to those communities, who gave everything they could to put up the schools, and noted that the local economy simply could not sustain such generous effort. After decades of serving their communities, most of these schools still face ageing buildings, a lack of basic infrastructure, a shortage of teaching support, and too few facilities for extracurricular activities and sports.

“With UNIFOR, beginning with the earlier RM20 million for mission schools, changes have been brought. It has allowed us to build more conducive classrooms as well as basic infrastructure for extracurricular activities. But now, with the additional funding, the special funding to support STEM, our schools have gone up another level.

“We have been able to use this funding to support STEM in our schools, enabling us to raise our schools to be on par with, if not better than, many government schools, actually,” Danald said, citing St Luke Secondary School in Sri Aman as an example.

With UNIFOR’s funding, the boarding hostel for boys was rebuilt. It has since become a top-notch boarding school, and its students have gone on to win several accolades in STEM project competitions at State, national and international levels.

For Poh, the STEM allocation from UNIFOR has enabled the Catholic mission schools to buy smart boards and equip 30 primary schools, especially those in rural areas, as Sarawak advances in its digital transformation.

He described the STEM Excellence Transformation Initiative as a comprehensive, high-impact investment in education, one that combines infrastructure with programme delivery to give students the skills, knowledge and experiences they will need for Sarawak’s future.

“UNIFOR’s STEM funding will help to bring this to the rural areas of Sarawak, where the majority of our Catholic mission schools are located. Just as the education provided by mission schools has given Sarawak an educated civil service, in this digital age it will produce a new generation of Sarawakians who will bring new development to the State as we embrace digital innovation,” Poh said.

Keeping faiths

UNIFOR will keep refining its services in the years ahead and make sure every ringgit allocated is spent wisely. The same prudence, transparency and accountability is expected of the religious groups that receive its funding. Through this, trust between all Sarawakians can grow stronger.

“Our hope is that UNIFOR will play its role in cementing the relationship among Sarawakians. Not only non-Islamic, but all Sarawakians,” Uggah said.

Religious leaders returned that hope with goodwill and heartfelt gratitude, each recounting in their own way how UNIFOR’s funds had helped them build houses of worship and strengthen their facilities.

It is a vision shared by the government and the people: a united Sarawak where cooperation builds a thriving State, driven by data and innovation, in which everyone enjoys economic prosperity, social inclusivity and harmony, and environmental sustainability.

Perhaps that is the lesson in all of this. A roof, a classroom, a laboratory or a Raja Gopuram is never only a structure. Each tells a family that they have a place here, that their prayers and their children’s futures matter to the land they call home.

In Sarawak, those who gather under different roofs, in different languages, still share the same sky. The pillars that once stood waiting have been joined by walls, by lights, by voices, by shared opportunities, and the work now is to keep building together a Sarawak in which everyone has somewhere to belong. – DayakDaily