By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 11: The Sarawak government has allocated a total of RM19 million between 2021 and 2025 to carry out more than 650 infrastructure enhancement projects for missionary schools across the State, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said.
According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), he also highlighted that hundreds of millions of ringgit have been channelled through various funding mechanisms, including the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), to support religious development initiatives, with the Christian community among the main beneficiaries through thousands of improvement projects Statewide.
He said this demonstrates the Sarawak government’s continued commitment to the principles of inclusiveness and interfaith harmony.
“Houses of worship are not just buildings, but centres for building values, unity and community well-being. This is the true strength of Sarawak,” he said, during the Christmas Day Celebration Dinner here, last night.
Dr Sim also emphasised the significant contributions of churches and Christian missionaries to Sarawak’s education landscape, particularly through the establishment of missionary schools.
“Missionary schools not only build knowledge, but also shape discipline, human values and leadership. In fact, the majority of Sarawak’s leaders today are the result of this education system,” he added.
He further noted the Christian community is the largest religious group in Sarawak with more than 1.2 million adherents and more than 2,300 houses of worship covering various denominations, thus reflecting the diversity that is the basis of the State’s strength.
The event was graced by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also in attendance were Datin Amar Enn Ong Seok Ean, the wife of the Deputy Premier; Unifor director Datu Georgina Apphia Ngau; Association of Churches in Sarawak chairman Bishop Danald Jute; and other distinguished guests. – DayakDaily
