Georgina (ninth left) presents a token of appreciation to Sikie for gracing the thanksgiving ceremony. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (June 13): Mission schools continue to play a significant role in strengthening Sarawak’s education landscape and in developing a highly skilled future workforce, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s commitment to supporting mission schools through dedicated funding and development initiatives.
He said the state government has approved RM120 million this year under the Special Development Assistance Fund (SDAF) to support non-Muslim places of worship and mission schools throughout Sarawak.
“Of the total allocation, RM90 million has been allocated for the development and upgrading of non-Muslim places of worship, while RM30 million has been channelled to mission schools to strengthen educational facilities and support efforts to produce quality human capital for the state.
“This allocation includes special provisions for the implementation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives, in line with Sarawak’s development aspirations under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“This reflects the Sarawak government’s recognition of the important role of mission schools, which continue to contribute significantly in strengthening Sarawak’s education landscape and producing a highly skilled, resilient workforce ready to face future challenges,” he said.
Abang Johari’s speech was read by Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai at an interfaith thanksgiving ceremony in conjunction with the Sarawak-level celebration of the Official Birthday of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Dewan Panglima Rentap in Betong.
He also highlighted the state government’s broader commitment to ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all religions through the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
He said the establishment of Unifor reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening interfaith harmony and safeguarding the welfare of non-Muslim places of worship across the state.
“Since its establishment, Unifor has played an important role through the provision of financial assistance, infrastructure development and various community initiatives for non-Muslim places of worship and mission schools throughout Sarawak,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to Unifor, government agencies and religious organisations for making the thanksgiving ceremony a success, describing it as a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sarawak.
“In conjunction with this meaningful celebration, I call on all people to continue upholding the institution of the Constitutional Monarchy, strengthen unity, and work together to maintain harmony for a peaceful and prosperous Malaysia,” he said.
Also present were Unifor director Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau and Anglican Bishop of Kuching, Sarawak and Brunei, the Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute.