Values of mutual respect among people of various religions must not remain mere slogan, premier stresses

KUCHING, Sept 15 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg has stressed the importance of values of mutual respect and inclusivity among  people of various religions that must not remain mere slogans. 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says that places of worship are not merely venues for religious observance; they also serve as spaces for character building, educating the younger generation, conducting charitable activities, and strengthening the community. 

He said the values ​​must be translated into governance. 

"It is based on this principle that the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) was established by the Sarawak Government in 2017," he said in his speech read by deputy Douglas Uggah at the thanks giving ceremony in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebration. 

He said UNIFOR is not merely a channel for financial aid, saying that it reflects the Sarawak government’s approach to ensuring that communities of other religions are respected, given the space to flourish, and enabled to contribute to the state's development.

THe premier said the Sarawak government, to date, has approved a total of RM685 million through UNIFOR, including RM565 million was allocated for the construction, maintenance, and upgrading of places of worship for other religions, and RM120 million for the continued development of mission schools. 

He added the Sarawak government has allocated RM120 million to UNIFOR for this year. 

"Of this sum, RM90 million is designated for places of worship for other religions and RM30 million for mission schools; this includes an additional RM10 million specifically for STEM projects," he added. 

"For the First Phase of this year alone, a total of RM34,879,500 has been approved for 148 projects involving places of worship for other religions across Sarawak," he said. 

Abang Johari said the allocation is not solely about buildings; it is an investment in communities.

The premier also said that places of worship are not merely venues for religious observance; they also serve as spaces for character building, educating the younger generation, conducting charitable activities, and strengthening the community. "

"When we strengthen societal institutions, we also bolster our social capital. This is the type of development we seek—development that goes beyond the construction of physical infrastructure. We must also build trust, foster societal values, and strengthen the bonds between people," he stressed.