KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved a proposal to widen the road along Jalan Ong Tiang Swee and to construct a multi-storey car park at the UNIFOR Complex here.
He said the road was named after a prominent Chinese leader who had contributed significantly to Sarawak’s development during the Rajah era.
“He (Ong Tiang Swee) brought development to Sarawak and this was once an important road. It used to be quite wide but has become narrow over time. We will find the funds to widen the road and also build a multi-storey car park,” he said when officiating at the launch of the UNIFOR Complex here today.
Earlier, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the minister-in-charge of UNIFOR, had proposed the road widening and construction of a multi-storey car park to accommodate the increasing number of visitors during events at the complex.
Abang Johari also announced that Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) will contribute RM1 million to the Sarawak Unit for Other Religions Charitable Trust (SUCT).
He added that the Sarawak government has allocated about RM685 million to date, including RM560 million channelled to hundreds of houses of worship for other religions.
“A further RM120 million has been allocated for the continued development of mission schools throughout Sarawak. This complex reflects our commitment to sustaining harmony among various religious faiths and races, while moving forward through knowledge and transforming Sarawak,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as president of PERKIM, Abang Johari said fostering tolerance and mutual respect among religions remains crucial for national stability.
He noted that PERKIM, a welfare organisation founded by Tunku Abdul Rahman, continues to emphasise unity and social welfare, adding that he had recently assumed the role of its president, taking over from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“As the newly elected president of PERKIM, I am doing my best to emphasise that tolerance and respect among religions are essential in Malaysia. Without stability, nothing can be achieved. Sarawak is an example of this harmony, which is why I was entrusted with this responsibility,” he said.
He added that under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which emphasises social inclusivity, UNIFOR serves as a convergence point for people of different races and faiths to work together despite their differences.
“UNIFOR becomes the convergence point. Differences will always exist, but we must come together to find solutions that benefit everyone. Thank God, Sarawak is a convergence point to move Malaysia forward,” he said.
