Masing (centre), with (from right) Jong and Mong, taking a closer look at the locality map for the new temple. Also seen (from left) are Liwan and Sikie.
KUCHING: The PRS takes pride in being the first Dayak-based party to give RM35,000 to the Association of Nadugong Deity Temple Kuching for its new place of worship at Jalan Upland here.
Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing, who is the party’s president, said although the amount was small given that the total project cost was RM600,000, PRS was setting an example of what the 1Malaysia concept was about, by assisting religious organisations.
“If you really believe in the concept of 1Malaysia, you must assist if there is a religious organisation asking for assistance. Through this understanding, we can reduce religious tension in the country.
“PRS is the first to respond to the association, and this is a good start. I believe Chinese-based political parties will respond in due time as they understand you better than we do, and they will give you more than what I give you,” he said when handing over the money to the association’s president, Jong Kiam Chun, here yesterday.
Of the RM35,000, Masing chipped in RM20,000 while Assistant Minister for Agriculture (Research and Marketing) Datuk Mong Dagang, Assistant Minister for Local Government Datuk John Sikie Tayai and Assistant Minister for Cultural and Heritage Liwan Lagang each gave RM5,000.
Masing said he had also advised the association to write to all Sarawakian federal and deputy ministers to request for donations.
“Write to all the federal ministers and look at how they respond. Small organisations sometimes might not be assisted, but a token will be appreciated by them.”
Established in 1977, the temple was first set up at Jalan Tabuan Lian before it was relocated to the Stutong area. The new project, which commenced in February this year, is expected to be completed in eight months.