By Sarawak is known as the land of unity where its people of different races and religions live in peace and harmony.
Not to mention, the state is often referred to as a model state for unity and racial and religious harmony in the country.
Having freedom of religion is never an issue here but instead it is upheld and even celebrated as Sarawakians all mutually respect and celebrate each other’s belief and practices.
This religion and multiracial harmony is further strengthened thanks to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government which rejects any elements that contradict the guarantee of religious freedom.
ESTABLISHMENT OF UNIFOR
In continuing to ensure that the welfare of other religions is always preserved, Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) was officially established by the state government on April 27, 2017.
Its establishment as a state government agency was the the brainchild of the late former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
Sarawak is the first and only state in Malaysia to have such a dedicated unit that looks after the non-Islamic affairs.
On top of that, its establishment is in line with the state government’s commitment in practising the policy of inclusivity of all races and religions in Sarawak.
GPS and UNIFOR
In ensuring that the unit is brought to fruition, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg placed the unit under the portfolio of Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
UNIFOR’s mission is to foster and promote greater understanding, tolerance, acceptance, mutual respect, and cooperation among individuals of different religions in the state.
It also ensures the needs of the various non-Islamic religious groups in the state are effectively addressed.
At the same time, the unit provides financial assistance in the physical development of the various houses of worship in the state, including building repairs and upgrades, building/rebuilding, fixtures/fittings, and burial grounds.
In addition, a committee under UNIFOR was also set up to look into the needs of the mission schools in Sarawak.
Another milestone for UNIFOR is the setting up of the RM70 million UNIFOR Complex, which is located along Jalan Ong Tiang Swee.
The 10 storey building will have a green building concept coupled with other facilities such as the two-floor meeting venues, a dining hall which can accommodate 1,000 people and a commercial area.
As such, the complex, which is expected to be completed by this year, is set to be a landmark of unity among the people of various religions in Sarawak.
ASSISTANCE UNDER UNIFOR
Over the years since the establishment of UNIFOR, the state government has allocated increasing amounts of funds every year to assist non-Islamic religions through the unit.
In 2017, RM15 million was approved for UNIFOR, followed by RM20 million in 2018, RM30 million i RM50 million in 2020 and last year 2021.
As for this year, UNIFOR has allocated RM24.643 million to finance 86 projects under its Phase 1 grant distribution.
As UNIFOR serves as a charitable trust to enable non-Muslim bodies to run their activities, Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian lauded that, “UNIFOR does not belong to the government but it actually belongs to all other religions.
“Its establishment was set up with the view that in the future, non-Muslim bodies and houses of worship will have funds to run their own activities,” he said.
PREMIER ON UNIFOR
The Premier stated that inclusive policies, freedom of religion, and culture, has become a powerful ingredient in the state’s success in creating a harmonious and united multiracial society in Sarawak.
“I feel all religions must have discipline and strive for God and mankind. That is why as leaders in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), we hold steadfastly to this policy.
“I officiated at the earth-breaking ceremony of a mosque costing about RM10 million in Belaga. Do you know who asked for that mosque? It was Datuk Liwan Lagang, Belaga assemblyman. He is not a Muslim but he said, ‘Let’s build a mosque in Belaga for the Muslim community’.
“That is the beauty — a non-Muslim looking after the welfare of Muslims. Of course, we have built an RM10 million church also in Belaga. That is fair — RM10 million for a church and RM10 million for a mosque. We are fair.
“That is the beauty of Sarawak and we must protect this beauty,” he said.
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