‘Mission schools have greatly contributed to Sarawak’s development’

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Nyabong (10th left) leads the cake-cutting ceremony. From eighth left are Rev Mathews Olili, Rev Philip Obaso, and Rev Michael Mandagiri.

KAPIT: Mission schools have long contributed to development in Sarawak, said Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang.

He pointed out that many politicians and prominent figures from Sarawak were former Mission school students.

“They studied at the Mission schools. They are understanding, open-minded, liberal, and tolerant of one another’s religious practices,” he said during the Parish Feast to mark the 137th anniversary of the Church of Mary Immaculate Conception recently.

He cited the example of Kapit, where the schools started by missionaries include SK Sungai Amang and SK Methodist.

“They (state leaders) appreciate the great contributions of the Mission in the field of education. Our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari (Tun Openg) has set up Unifor (Unit for Other Religions) and allocated funds for other religious institutions in the state,” he said, pointing out that early this year RM5 million was allocated to construct a new Methodist Iban Church in Kapit Bazaar, while RM50,000 went to the Catholic Church in Song.

At the function, Nyabong announced an RM20,000 Minor Rural Project fund for the church next year, and another RM3,000 for the dinner.

Some 700 faithful from Belaga, Kapit, Song, Kanowit, Julau, Bintangor, Mukah, and Sibu attended the feast.