By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Nov 9: The Sarawak government through its Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) today distributed RM3.84 million to 30 Roman Catholic mission schools in the State.
Sarawak Roman Catholic mission schools advisor Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said this is the first time such assistance has been provided for mission schools here.
Pengguang, who is also the Assistant Minister of Local Government, described the grants as a commendable step by the Sarawak government.
“This is a strong manifestation of the Sarawak government to enhance the prestige of mission schools which have been a valley of unification and a pillar of unity in Sarawak.
“This is in line with the Sarawak government’s commitment in practicing the policy of inclusivity for all races and religion,” he said after the event.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had recently allocated an initial RM15 million grant to 123 various mission schools which will be used to upgrade their facilities.
Penguang added that the Sarawak government has always placed comprehensive emphasis on providing infrastructure and facilities at the highest level as well as upgrading the highly ethical education system for mission schools in the State.
As mission schools in Sarawak are reflections of its people’s ability and unique way of life to ensure people of different races and religions continue living together peacefully, he asserted that they must be preserved and protected.
Meanwhile, he also disclosed that the Anglican Diocese of Kuching has received an allocation of RM6 million for its 50 schools in Sarawak.
As for the Methodist denomination, Sarawak Iban Annual Conference (SIAC) received an allocation of RM960,000 for eight schools while the Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference (SCAC) received an allocation of RM600,000. — DayakDaily
