KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity through continuous financial support for non-Muslim houses of worship and mission schools, made possible by the state’s strengthened fiscal position.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government remains steadfast in upholding religious harmony through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR).
“Since the establishment of UNIFOR, the Sarawak Government has allocated a total of RM475 million to numerous houses of worship projects and RM90 million to mission schools, reaffirming our commitment to inclusivity for other religions across Sarawak.
“We will continue to do so – this is a GPS promise proven over the past seven years,” he said.
He said this in his speech, read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, at a a multi-religious thanksgiving event in conjunction with Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s 79th birthday at Imperial Hotel on Friday night.
He added that Sarawak’s strong financial standing has enabled the State to implement more projects for the benefit of the people.
“State revenue has grown from RM6 billion eight years ago to RM14.2 billion in 2024, while the 2025 State Budget of RM15.8 billion is the largest in Sarawak’s history.
“With this increased revenue, we’ve been able to support UNIFOR projects such as the RM80 million UNIFOR Complex in Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, and also provide free tertiary education starting next year in Sarawak-owned universities,” he said.
Abang Johari also outlined major infrastructure initiatives under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), including the construction of a second trunk road from Samarahan to the Pan Borneo Highway, coastal highway connecting southern and northern Sarawak, and plans for a new sea port and airport at Tanjung Embang with a projected cost of RM100 billion.
“These projects are critical to improving connectivity and positioning Sarawak for future growth.
“That human capital development will be a key driver to realise Sarawak’s vision of becoming a developed State by 2030,” he added.
The multi-religious thanksgiving event was attended by people from various religious groups, with Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minster, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin; and UNIFOR Director, Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau, present during the event.
