KUCHING, Jan 20: Sarawakians especially the Hindus are urged to support the state government and the candidates of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the 12th state election due 2021.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Satok vice chief, Shankar Ram Asnani, said Sarawakians should appreciate the efforts and initiatives rolled out by the state government.
Shankar Ram, who is also Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Association Kuching president, made the plea to the Hindu community, as well as to all Sarawakians during the earth breaking ceremony of the new Sri Maha Mariamman Temple which will be a Hindu masterpiece of Borneo, here today.
“This whole thing (rebuilding of the new temple) would not have been possible but for the kind assistance rendered by our chief minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) and Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian (SUPP president and Local Government and Housing Minister).
“They have been our pillars of our organisation here. They have been very kind and the state government gave us RM2.3 million. Therefore, in return, we need to show loyalty and gratitude,” he told a group of Hindu devotees during the event at Rock Road here today.
Dr Sim Kui Hian said the state has been moving into the direction of providing prosperity to the people and strengthening itself financially. He urged all the Sarawakians to remain united and support the State Government’s efforts and initiatives.
He added that the Unit for Other Religion (Unifor) has been allocated RM50 million this year for the building of houses or worship and supporting religious activities.
Dr Sim said when Unifor was initially established, it was allocated RM10 million, then RM20 million and RM30 million and subsequently RM50 million for this year.
Meanwhile, more than 80 senior citizens applied for the Kenyalang Gold Card at a booth set up by SUPP Satok in collaboration with SUPP Batu Lintang at the event.
The booth was placed at the entrance of the new Hindu temple site at Jalan Rock here from 9am to 1pm in conjunction with the earth breaking ceremony or the Bhoomi Poojai.
Shankar Ram urged Sarawakians senior citizens, who is 60 years old and above, to grab the opportunities provided by the state such as the Kenyalang Gold Card, so that they will enjoy the benefits and welfare provided by the Sarawak government. — DayakDaily
