KUCHING – The Sarawak government has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusiveness and interfaith harmony by continuing to support the Christian community and houses of worship across the state.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the administration, under the leadership of the Sarawak Premier, has consistently prioritised the development of religious institutions, recognising their role as centres of unity, values, and social well-being.
“Houses of worship are not just buildings, but centres for building values, unity and community well-being. This is the true strength of Sarawak,” he remarked during the Christmas Day Celebration Dinner held in Kuching on Wednesday.
Dr Sim highlighted that the Christian community is the largest religious group in Sarawak, with more than 1.2 million adherents and over 2,300 houses of worship representing diverse denominations. He noted that this diversity forms the foundation of Sarawak’s strength and harmony.
Between 2017 and 2025, the state government approved allocations amounting to hundreds of millions of ringgit through funds such as UNIFOR (Unit for Other Religions), supporting thousands of projects to improve religious facilities. The Christian community has been among the main beneficiaries of these initiatives.
Dr Sim also underscored the historic role of churches and Christian missionaries in shaping Sarawak’s education system. Missionary schools, he said, have produced many of the state’s leaders, professionals, and community figures.
“Missionary schools not only build knowledge, but also shape discipline, human values and leadership. In fact, the majority of Sarawak’s leaders today are the result of this education system,” he explained.
From 2021 to 2025 alone, 129 missionary schools received state government assistance amounting to RM19 million, enabling the implementation of more than 650 infrastructure improvement projects.
These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening educational facilities while preserving the legacy of missionary institutions.
The Christmas celebration was attended by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also present were Datin Amar Enn Ong Seok Ean, wife of the Deputy Premier, UNIFOR Director Datu Georgina Apphia Ngau, and Bishop Donald Jute, Chairman of the Association of Churches in Sarawak, along with other distinguished guests.
The event underscored Sarawak’s ongoing commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and supporting the Christian community, ensuring that houses of worship and missionary schools continue to play a vital role in the state’s social and educational development.
