Edwin (sixth right), Dr Ngenang (seventh left), Richard (fifth right), Dennis (fourth right), August (fifth left) and others posing for a photo session.
SIBU: Political secretary to the Chief Minister Edwin Banta has proposed for the state government through Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) to pay a fixed salary (allowance) to priests in the state.
“My proposal is for the state government through Unifor to give salaries to priests instead of them having to rely only on (public) donations.
“I am suggesting for Unifor to give salaries to priests, similar to the one given to the Ustaz under Jabatan Agama Islam Sarawak (Jais), who are paid monthly by the state government.
“It is better for it to be streamlined, given that now that we have Unifor,” he suggested.
Edwin, however, pointed out that this was only his suggestion and it was up to Unifor to implement it.
“If it can’t (be implemented), no need. I am only suggesting – who knows it can be considered,” he added.
Edwin was representing Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing to attend Bawang Assan Iban Methodist Church’s charity dinner at a restaurant here yesterday.
Also present were Unifor director Dr Ngenang Janggu, deputy director Richard Lon, Bawang Assan Iban Methodist Church chairman of the board financial management cum organising chairman ‘Tuai Rumah’ Dennis Ansam, Bawang Assan Iban Methodist Church chairman August Abett, Temenggong Wilfred Billy Panyau, Penghulu Evelyn Holly Sebom and Reverend Joshua Mangka.
The charity dinner was attended by some 500 people aimed to raise fund for the church administration.
Meanwhile, Dr Ngenang explained that Unifor is a unit under the Chief Minister’s Department supervised by Deputy Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He added that the establishment of this unit was to assist other religions to build, upgrade and so on, their religious institutions facilities.
“We not only assist Christians but other religions such as Sikh, Sikh, Hindu, Buddha and others.
“Also under Unifor, we help to identify burial sites for other religions needing them,” he said.
He also recorded highest appreciation to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for increasing the allocation for Unifor every year.
At the same time, Ngenang assured that he would bring Bawang Assan Iban Methodist Church’s application to build a new building that is Methodist Bawang Assan Education Centre to Uggah for further action.
At the function, Edwin announced an allocation of RM15,000 from Masing, whereas another RM2,000 of his personal contribution to the church.