Danald (right) shares a light moment with Uggah (left) after receiving his cheque, as Maxwell looks on.
KUCHING: Churches and other houses of worship play a vital role in maintaining religious and racial harmony, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
He said if such scenario was not maintained, the development and progress in Sarawak would be impeded, and the people would suffer the brunt of any conflict.
“We should all avoid any cause for conflict for our own good,” he spoke at the presentation of grants from the Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) to two churches here yesterday.
On the Unifor aid, Uggah said it was a hallmark of the Sarawak government’s policy of inclusivity.
“We are very happy to help all other religions. But what we give may not make everyone happy.
“We have to be fair and cannot give 100 per cent. There are others who we need help as well.
“Unifor has received so many applications for funds,” he said.
The Anglican Diocese of Kuching received RM1 million for repair and upgrading works on the Bishop and Provost houses.
A cheque for the amount was received by Bishop Datuk Danald Jute.
The All Saints Church in Tabuan, on the other hand, received RM80,000 slated for its refurbishment.
Its representative Maxwell S Landong received the cheque from Uggah.
Unifor director Richard Lon and United Society of Partners in Gospel (USPG) regional manager Rebecca Boardman were among those present.