By Antonia Chiam
“I firmly believe that when you help people, God will help you in return.” Abang Johari (December 20, 2023)
SARAWAK is renowned for its cultural and religious diversity, home to more than 30 ethnic groups and a broad spectrum of faiths coexisting in remarkable harmony. This pluralistic society has long been a hallmark of the State’s identity, underpinned by mutual respect and an enduring commitment to freedom of religion. Historically, Sarawak has stood as a beacon of tolerance in Malaysia, where various faiths have been allowed to practise and flourish without restriction.
Nevertheless, ensuring that all religious communities, particularly non-Muslim communities, receive equitable support in areas such as places of worship, religious activities, and community development require more than just goodwill alone. It demands an institutional framework and sustained government intervention to maintain this delicate balance.
The Birth of UNIFOR: An Inclusive Vision
The idea for a dedicated agency to support Sarawak’s non-Muslim religious communities was first conceived by the late Chief Minister, Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, whose tenure was marked by a deep commitment to inclusivity. His vision was carried forward and institutionalised by his successor, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who saw the need to formalise Sarawak’s pluralistic ethos through the establishment of the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR).
Launched in April 2017, UNIFOR became the first agency of its kind in Malaysia, a pioneering step that placed Sarawak at the forefront of religious inclusivity. UNIFOR was created not just as a funding body, but as a symbol of the State’s commitment to upholding the values of mutual respect, equity, and peaceful coexistence among its diverse religious groups. UNIFOR also administers funds for religious schools and community facilities.
Ensuring Equal Access to Government Support
One of UNIFOR’s primary mandates is to ensure that non-Muslim religious communities have direct and equitable access to government support. This includes financial assistance for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of religious buildings, as well as the funding of religious schools and community-based spiritual activities. Between 2017 and 2018 alone, UNIFOR approved 373 applications worth approximately RM50 million. In its inaugural year, UNIFOR received RM15 million in funding, followed by RM20 million in 2018. By the end of 2019, 667 applications had been received, and the State government’s confidence in the Unit grew in tandem with the increasing volume of requests for aid. By October 2020, UNIFOR had overseen 520 infrastructural projects. In 2024, the number of completed projects rose to 807, amounting to RM109.8 million, with an additional 616 ongoing projects valued at RM120.5 million.
Cumulatively, from 2017 to 2024, the Sarawak government channelled RM385 million through UNIFOR, underlining its unwavering support for religious equity and cohesion. This included funding for Christian churches, Buddhist temples, Taoist shrines, Sikh gurdwaras, Bahá’í centres, and other places of worship across the State. UNIFOR also administers funds for religious schools and community facilities. In 2024 alone, it allocated RM90 million to assist 242 houses of worship and RM20 million for the maintenance of 120 mission schools.
Two of the many projects funded under the 2024 allocation include the four houses of worship in Lundu under Phase 4/2024, each receiving RM200,000 (totalling RM800,000), and the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) church in Taman Pelita, which received RM1 million. The BEM church project had reached 75.78 per cent completion by mid-November and was scheduled for completion by February 2025.
Sustained Growth and Continued Commitment
As Sarawak’s revenue grew, so too did the government’s ability to allocate funds to UNIFOR. Abang Johari reaffirmed in December 2024 that should the State’s financial position continue to strengthen, allocations to UNIFOR could be increased to meet rising demands. Indeed, the appetite for such support has remained strong. As of late 2024, UNIFOR was evaluating 640 additional applications totalling RM431 million in requested funding, a proof of both the need and trust placed in the Unit by Sarawakians. For 2025, Abang Johari approved another RM110 million allocation, ensuring continuity in the agency’s efforts to support houses of worship and religious education. This consistent funding underlines UNIFOR’s central role in promoting interfaith unity and ensuring that all communities have the infrastructure and resources necessary to practise their faiths with dignity.
The UNIFOR Complex: A Monument to Inclusion
Perhaps the most tangible symbol of Sarawak’s inclusive religious policy is the UNIFOR Complex, currently nearing completion in Kuching. Situated at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, the 10-storey facility was constructed at a total cost of RM73 million, of which RM70 million was allocated by the Sarawak government. The complex features a green building design, a nine-storey office tower, a conference hall capable of accommodating 1,000 people (expandable to 1,200), and 285 parking spaces.
Construction began in 2021, with the occupation permit granted in October 2024. The complex is expected to be fully operational by the third quarter of 2025, serving not only as UNIFOR’s headquarters but also as a central hub for interfaith engagement and community development.
A Model for Malaysia
UNIFOR’s establishment and evolution mark a significant chapter in Sarawak’s development narrative. The Unit’s initiatives have gone above and beyond in fostering interfaith dialogues, supporting traditional ceremonies, and strengthening the social fabric, especially in rural areas where many indigenous communities, such as the Iban and Bidayuh, practise Christianity or native spiritual traditions. These efforts include support for funeral-related structures such as the ‘pedara’ and ‘penyangkai’ houses (special places for funeral-related ceremonies), and even roads to cemetery grounds.
Sarawak remains unique within Malaysia as the only State with a dedicated unit tasked with directly funding and managing the affairs of non-Muslim religious communities. Through UNIFOR, Sarawak has not only maintained its legacy of religious harmony but also institutionalised it, setting a powerful precedent for other regions to follow. Under Abang Johari’s stewardship, the Sarawak government has demonstrated that inclusivity is not merely an ideal, but a practical policy, one that can be budgeted for, implemented, and celebrated. In doing so, UNIFOR has become more than an agency; it is a living testament to Sarawak’s vision of unity in diversity and its unwavering commitment to building a just and cohesive society for all.
The content featured here is an excerpt from the book “Rise of Sarawak: Abang Johari’s Era of Transformation”, published by Sage Salute Sdn Bhd. All information contained herein is accurate as of the first quarter of 2025.
