MIRI: The Sarawak government will continue to pursue inclusive development by addressing the needs of all segments of society, including rural communities and religious institutions.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the approach is aimed at ensuring development benefits people regardless of their religious or social backgrounds.
He said the establishment of the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) demonstrated the Sarawak government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of all communities.
“The Sarawak government continues to provide annual allocations to UNIFOR. This year, RM120 million has been allocated, including RM90 million for houses of worship and RM30 million for mission schools,” he said this when speaking at the Irau-Paskah Long Atip 2027 Charity Dinner organised by the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Long Atip Church here recently.
In conjunction with the event, a total of RM170,000 was contributed to support preparations for the Irau-Paskah Long Atip 2027 celebration and its charitable objectives.
Of the total, Uggah contributed RM70,000, while Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala and Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau contributed RM30,000 each.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew contributed RM20,000, while Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau and Miri Mayor-cum-Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang contributed RM10,000 each.
Uggah also stressed the importance of good governance, integrity and transparency in managing government allocations to ensure that assistance provided is used for its approved purposes and delivers benefits to the people.
On development, he said the Sarawak government also continued to prioritise the construction and upgrading of infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges, to improve connectivity between rural and urban areas.
The event, attended by about 850 guests, also featured cultural and spiritual performances by the Kayan community, as well as a charity fund collection to support preparations for Irau-Paskah Long Atip 2027.
