SIBU: The Sarawak Government, through the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), will continue to provide support for the construction and maintenance of houses of worship and missionary schools in an effort to strengthen multi-faith harmony in the state.
Bawang Assan’s State Assemblyman, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, said the Sarawak Government greatly appreciated the role of religious organisations, including churches and temples, which not only strengthened unity but also helped build a prosperous and harmonious society.
“The Sarawak Government through UNIFOR will continue to channel assistance to ensure that houses of worship throughout Sarawak can function properly and comfortably for the use of the community,” he said at the dinner reception in conjunction with the 62nd Sarawak Iban Annual Conference (SIAC) Methodist Women held at a prominent hotel here on Saturday.
Wong, who is also Progressive Democratic Party’s (PDP) Senior Vice-President, said the diversity of religions in Sarawak was a blessing that should be celebrated because all religions taught the values of love, respect and unity.
According to him, the lives of the multi-racial and multi-religious communities in Sarawak should be an example of true harmony in Malaysia.
In the meantime, he also emphasised the important role of women as educators, professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders, who were able to guide the younger generation to live based on faith, love and humanity.
“I congratulate the organisers of the SIAC Methodist Women for successfully organising this annual conference.
“I am confident that this effort will continue to strengthen the spirit of togetherness and unity among our community,” he explained.
At the same event, Wong also announced a fund contribution of RM20,000 and another RM10,000 from his wife, Datin Seri Pauline Leong.
SIAC Methodist Women President, Angelyn Uchi Maseng, who also spoke, said that they still needed funds for the renovation work of the SIAC Methodist Women Centre in Lorong 12, Jalan Sukun, which was scheduled to be completed in January next year.
In this regard, she said that the dinner, apart from strengthening ties with each other, also aimed to raise funds for the renovation project of the centre.
“Therefore, we need everyone’s support to make this project a success so that it can be completed by next January,” she said.
Also present were SIAC’s President, Reverend Bonnie Sedau, SIAC Methodist Women’s adviser, Reverend Yan Foong Peng, and SIAC Sibu’s Head, Reverend Jatan Badi.
