KOTA KINABALU – The Sabah Council of Churches (SCC) received RM16 million in financial aid, with the state government saying it is committed to supporting non-Islamic religious bodies.
State grants committee chairman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun handed the cheque to the council president Bishop James Wong.
Also present was Hajiji, during a ceremony at the Sabah Administrative Complex here.
Other heads of churches in Sabah including Archbishop Datuk John Wong (Catholic), Datuk Jerry Dusing (SIB), Bishop Datuk Melter Jiki Tais (Anglican) and Rev Dr Hii Kong Hock (Methodist) were also present at the ceremony.
The Sabah Church leaders were paying a courtesy visit to the chief minister at his office here.
Expressing appreciation to SCC for extending friendship and support to the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) state government under his leadership, Hajiji assured that the administration would maintain cordial ties with the SCC.
“I want to assure the Sabah Council of Churches that the state government strives to maintain a cordial relationship with all faiths, including Christians. The GRS state government will uphold and protect freedom of religion, as enshrined in the constitution.
“Respecting the beliefs of one another has always been the pillar of Sabah’s strength and unity. Despite differences in religion and race, we in Sabah have lived together in peace and harmony all this while. So, we must protect this,” he said.
Hajiji also assured the SCC that the financial assistance would continue under the GRS state government.
“I can assure that the GRS state government under my leadership will support programmes organised by the churches, including Christmas celebrations,” he said.
He assured them that the state government will look into some of the issues raised by the SCC during the courtesy visit. – The Vibes, December 16, 2020
Sabah churches receive RM16 million state govt aid
Sabah govt says it is committed to assisting state’s non-Islamic religious bodies
Updated 5 years ago · Published on 16 Dec 2020 5:57PM
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