SARAWAK Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has urged heads of religious bodies in Sarawak to properly utilise government funding meant for houses of worship and mission schools.
He cautioned them not to ‘redirect’ such funds into their savings and fixed deposit accounts.
"Honour the trust placed in you about the funding for the benefit of your community.
"These funds are meant for building houses of worship and development of mission schools and not to be diverted into bank accounts to earn interest.
"There are certain people who are not using the government funding under Unifor (Unit for Other Religions) for the intended purpose of developing houses of worship and mission schools.
"They are diverting the money into their bank accounts to earn interest.
"You cannot do that. Please honour the trust placed in you and use the money for the correct purpose," Johari said in Kuching during a dinner gathering with heads of religious bodies.
Johari said when religious bodies apply for more Unifor funding, the policy is that no additional money will be given if projects have not been started and the progress report is not submitted to the state government for audit.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah had earlier said the state will step up scrutiny and audit of the tens of millions of ringgit given to religious organisations in Sarawak as many of them had not carried out the designated projects. - December 6, 2024
