Abg Jo: S'wak govt channels RM565 mln to Unifor for religious infrastructure, inclusivity
MIRI (July 21): The Sarawak government has allocated a total of RM565 million to the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that all Sarawakians can worship in environments that are safe, dignified and comfortable, regardless of their faith.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said of the total sum, RM475 million has already been channelled through Unifor to support the development and enhancement of houses of worship across Sarawak.
'These efforts are anchored in the principle of social inclusivity,' he said in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the Interfaith Thanksgiving event held in conjunction with the Sarawak Day celebration at a hotel here last night.
He said the state government's support covers places of worship for various faiths, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Sikhism, the Baha'i faith and traditional belief systems.
Meanwhile, the remaining RM90 million has been allocated to missionary schools throughout Sarawak since 2021.
Abang Johari also noted that Unifor is the only agency of its kind in Malaysia, describing it as a clear reflection of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led Sarawak government's deep respect for the state's diverse religious landscape.
'With sustained support, Unifor has cultivated a strong and stable ecosystem of interfaith harmony, making Sarawak a model of unity across Malaysia,' he said.
He added that through Unifor, the state government will continue to strengthen the infrastructure of religious institutions, ensuring that every citizen enjoys freedom of faith and peace of worship.
At the same time, he stressed the need for Sarawak to remain a beacon of peace and unity amid growing global challenges.
He called on religious leaders to play a vital role in fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting mutual understanding among communities.
'They are crucial partners in building a holistic and thriving society, helping shape the moral compass of our future generation,' he said.
On the event, Abang Johari said it offered a meaningful opportunity to deepen interfaith connections and appreciate the spiritual diversity that defines Sarawak.
'When we come together to celebrate our traditions, we embrace the spirit of inclusivity, a principle embedded in our Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
'Let this celebration serve as a reaffirmation of our shared values, mutual respect, and our continued journey towards a more united and holistic Sarawak,' he added.
Among those present were Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, who is also the minister in-charge of the Sarawak Day celebration 2025, Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil and Unifor director Georgina Apphia Ngau. Abang Johari Interfaith Thanksgiving event lead Unifor
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Abang Johari: Federal-state ties remain strong for Sarawak's progress
MIRI: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has reiterated that the close cooperation between the state and federal governments would continue in the common interests of both the country and Sarawak. He said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, which he leads, appreciates the cooperation currently enjoyed between the state and the federal government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. "In fact, at the federal level, Sarawak is represented by a deputy prime minister, namely Datuk Sri Fadillah Yusof, in addition to other ministers from Sarawak," he said in his speech at the Sarawak Day celebration here yesterday. He expressed confidence that Sarawak's efforts to achieve greater prosperity would not undermine the wider national objective of advancing the country's overall development. He said the increase in Sarawak's revenue, particularly through the Sarawak Sales Tax (SST), would not diminish the country's revenue as the federal government has sufficient avenues to boost national income without burdening the people. Abang Johari said the GPS government would continue to fight for Sarawak's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through ongoing negotiations with Putrajaya. "Sarawak has successfully regained nine rights under MA63 and the GPS government will continue its efforts to restore all rights that have been eroded over the years," he said. He noted that Sarawak started as a state with many shortcomings and widespread poverty, especially in rural areas, during the formation of Malaysia. "Now we are grateful that Sarawak's economy has shown very encouraging growth," he said, adding that last year Sarawak recorded its highest ever revenue of RM14 billion compared to RM13.3 billion in 2023. He said this year he had presented the largest budget in Sarawak's history amounting to RM15.8 billion, opening up opportunities for a more inclusive economy. "Under the powers provided by the Federal Constitution, the state has begun to enjoy more of its oil and gas revenues through the SST imposed on petroleum products as well as through profit sharing between Petronas and Petros," he said. The premier said the World Bank had recognised Sarawak as a high-income region for three consecutive years since 2022 based on a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of RM73,100 (US$17,000) in 2024, a figure that surpasses the threshold of RM63,800 (US$15,000) set by the bank. He said this status had placed Sarawak in fourth position after the Kuala Lumpur and Labuan and Penang, surpassing Selangor. He said the state government would continue to ensure Sarawak's resources are given added value through the creation of downstream industries, particularly in the oil and gas sector, guided by the long-term Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR). He expressed confidence that when fully implemented within 10 years the SGR would attract investments worth RM300 billion and generate RM120 billion in output from the product and service chain. "New industries will also be created, especially in the renewable energy sector, to generate up to 15,000 megawatts of energy by 2035, not only for domestic consumption but also for export to Asean countries," he said.
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Free tertiary education in Sarawak modelled on Nordic, German models
MIRI: Sarawak's free tertiary education (SFTE) initiative is modelled after Nordic countries like Norway and Finland, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. He said these countres, along with Germany, are known worldwide for their high and robust economic growth. "That is why we model our free tertiary education initiative on the free education systems of these countries," he said at a townhall during the Sarawak Day celebration here. "We want our students to have the latest knowledge for the state's future," he said. He said the goal is to replicate the economic growth seen in those countries. The SFTE initiative will begin next year at five state-owned institutions: Swinburne University of Technology in Kuching, Curtin University of Technology in Miri, University Technology Sarawak in Sibu, I-Cats College University in Kuching and Centre of Technological Excellence Sarawak in Kuching. He said the state has no plans to extend SFTE to Sarawakians at federal universities. The initiative is limited to Sarawakians enrolled at the five state-run universities. "If we want to expand to other universities, they are financed by the federal government. We don't want to interfere with what the federal government is doing," he said. Abang Johari said applications to state-owned institutions are not subject to UPU criteria set by the higher education ministry. He cited many cases where students applying for an engineering course were instead diverted to study an arts subject. He added that students with the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from Chinese schools will be accepted if they meet entry requirements, and even those from poor families can pursue higher education in state-run institutions.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Sarawak named among world's top transitioning industrial clusters
KUCHING: Sarawak has been acknowledged as one of only 36 Transitioning Industrial Clusters worldwide and the sole representative from Malaysia, announced Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The recognition, granted by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, highlights the state's commitment to green energy development. 'Last month, I was invited to speak at the World Economic Forum - Summer Davos 2025. However, due to my wife's health, I sent Sarawak Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, as my representative. The organisers later requested my personal participation, but the slot was eventually given to the Prime Minister of Singapore. This demonstrates Sarawak's growing global influence,' he said during the Marina bridge project groundbreaking ceremony. Abang Johari attributed Sarawak's international standing to its sustainable development policies. 'During my recent visit to Japan, officials commended Sarawak's focus on new energy solutions. We must maintain this momentum while ensuring development benefits the people, such as through projects like the RM400 million Marina bridge in Miri,' he added. The Public Works Department (JKR) confirmed that the Marina bridge contract is expected to be awarded in Q4 2025. Once completed, the bridge will connect Miri Marina to Miri Peninsula, reducing travel distance to Pulau Melayu and Lutong from 10km to just 2km, cutting travel time from 25 minutes to five. Abang Johari also revealed ongoing exploration in Miri's Adong area for potential natural resource reserves. 'Studies are underway to assess its viability. If results are positive, the state will proceed with extraction,' he said. Additionally, Sarawak is planning to boost Miri's tourism sector with a new road linking Miri to Marudi and Long Terawan, enhancing accessibility to northern Sarawak's key attractions. - Bernama
