SANDAKAN: The State Government is committed to ensuring that schools and religious bodies around the state receive their allocated assistance from the government.
Speaking at the handing over of the 2014 financial assistance to schools and non-Islamic religious bodies at Sandakan community hall yesterday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman said that no group should be left out from receiving the assistance.
He said for some schools and places of worship that are located in remote regions which may not be able to voice out their needs due to location constraints, it then becomes the responsibility of the representative who had received the allocation to reach out to these groups.
During the ceremony, the State Government handed over grants to representatives of non-Islamic schools and places of worship in the East Coast Division, particular in Sandakan area.
Schools such as Chinese independent schools, mission schools and kindergartens were given a grant of RM1,670,000 while non-Islamic religious
bodies have been allocated RM2,275,000. The total sum disbursed at the ceremony was RM3,945,000 which benefited 62 schools and non-Islamic religious bodies.
The large allocations for non-Islamic religious bodies reflect the government’s commitment in upholding religious freedom.
“I hope non-Islamic religious bodies will continue to encourage spiritual growth among their followers. Along with Islamic bodies, you play a critical role in promoting positive values in society and a strong foundation in religion is necessary for us all to stay resilient as a nation,” said Musa.
He also expressed hope that the schools and non-Islamic religious bodies that received the allocation yesterday would be able to implement their programs and activities successfully.