MIRI – Religious harmony should continue to be protected as one of Sarawak’s strengths, with mutual respect and understanding seen as important to maintaining peaceful relations among communities, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said.
Uggah said the state’s religious diversity had developed over generations and should be regarded as an asset rather than a source of division. He also highlighted the contribution of religious institutions to community development and the formation of social values.
“Sarawak is truly fortunate to be blessed with religious harmony, allowing us to live together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding,” he said.
He said the Sarawak Government, under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Openg, had continued to support religious inclusivity through various initiatives.
Among these is the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), which was established to support non-Muslim communities, including projects involving houses of worship and mission schools.
From 2017 to 2026, the state government allocated RM685 million through UNIFOR for such projects across Sarawak. Uggah described the initiative as an example of the state’s approach to supporting religious communities and encouraging mutual respect.
For the N.77 Telang Usan constituency, RM10.72 million was allocated during the same period for 102 projects involving houses of worship.
A further RM538,110 was channelled towards six mission school projects in the constituency.
Uggah also highlighted the long-standing role of the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Sarawak in the Baram area. The mission has been established in Long Atip since 1947 and has contributed to areas including education, social development and human capital.
He said religious institutions could play a role extending beyond worship by contributing to the wider development of communities.
“This is one of the reasons why religious institutions are crucial to community development; a church is not merely a place of worship but also a venue for instilling values, shaping the younger generation, and strengthening community bonds,” he said.
Uggah made the remarks at a charity dinner held in conjunction with the Long Atip Easter Festival (Irau-Paskah) 2027.
The dinner was organised to raise funds for the festival, which is scheduled to be held on 25 March 2027. Uggah contributed RM70,000 towards the organisation of the event.
Other contributions came from several elected representatives and state ministers.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and N.78 Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala contributed RM30,000, while N.77 Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau also contributed RM30,000.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (Tourism) and N.73 Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew contributed RM20,000.
P.220 Baram Member of Parliament Dato Anyi Ngau and N.74 Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang each contributed RM10,000.
The funding announced at the dinner is intended to support preparations for the Long Atip Easter Festival 2027, while Uggah’s remarks placed the celebration within the broader context of Sarawak’s religious diversity and community ties.
The event also underscored the role of local religious organisations in community activities, particularly in areas such as education, social development and the strengthening of relationships among residents.
