By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Dec 21: Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is disappointed that certain religious organisations have yet to utilise funds they received from Unit For Other Religion (Unifor).
From 2017 until today, he revealed, a total of 91 organisations have yet to begin their projects with the allocated grants.
“Their reasons include awaiting building committee decisions, awaiting building plan approvals, or simply not having enough funds to begin. Some even said they are awaiting the tender process or the completion of an earlier project.
“Whatever the reasons, this is not fair to the people waiting to enjoy better worshipping facilities. It is not fair to Unifor or the State government in wanting to provide the best service for the rakyat,” he chastised.
Uggah, who is also Unifor chairman, said Unifor will not entertain any new requests from such organisations.
“I hope these organisations concerned will buck up and start working on their projects as soon as possible,” he said during the Unifor Appreciation Night held at a local hotel last night (Dec 20).
He further disclosed that Unifor has received 515 new applications totalling RM341.81 million to construct new churches, chapels, temples; upgrading and renovating existing ones; and buying new equipment.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and his Deputy Datuk Dr Annuar Rapiee, Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Deputy Minister in the Premier Department (Corporate Affairs and UKAS) Datuk Saidol Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Public Health and Housing Datuk Penguang Manggil and Unifor director Jack Aman Luat were among those present. — DayakDaily
