MEMBAKUT: A total of 18 churches and the Christian community here including church leaders received total assistance of RM60,000 from Membakut Assemblyman Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin bin Datuk Mohd Arif.
Dr Mohd Arifin, who is also State Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, said it was an annual tradition to celebrate Christmas.
Advertisement“Of the amount, RM21,000 went to 18 churches while RM16,200 to church leaders, and RM8,100 for orphans celebrating Christmas, by providing them clothes and shoes, among others.
“In addition, a special allocation amounting to RM15,000 will be contributed to the Membakut District Church Council in January,” he said, after presentation of the contributions at an open hall in Membakut township, here.
SPONSORED CONTENT Ford aims to boost its presence in Sabah, Sarawak The improved ride quality makes the Ranger more comfortable for passengers. Read more Also present were Membakut District Officer Ibrahim Terki, Membakut District Church Council Chairman James Kilon and other church leaders.
“This is our annual event to provide support to churches and their leaders, at district or village level.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“This is the fourth time we are doing this and I hope this small contribution can bring some joy to them,” he said.
“I urge everyone to remain united, regardless of out differences in religion or ethnicity, as this harmony is a unique feature of us as Sabahans that must be preserved.”
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Dr Mohd Arifin also encouraged church leaders here to apply for State Government allocation for financial aid of non-Islamic religious bodies, missionary schools and private schools for next year.
The allocation has been raised to RM70 million next year as announced by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor on Dec 12.
“I will assist church leaders who submit their applications to help the churches here and the mission schools especially SMK St Patrick Membakut,” he said.
In SIPITANG, Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob presented donations to the Church in Kampung Solob in conjunction with Christmas.
Dr Yusof said donations will continue to be channelled when during religious festivals.
He called on all parties to continue to maintain the unity that has been achieved so that there is always harmony and there is no division or racism.
“Malaysia, especially Sabah and Sarawak, are among the two states that most strongly practice tolerance by respecting race and religion.
“This is why the people of Sabah can discuss and sit at the same table without conflict,” he said.
Racial agreement is the core of harmony and that is where racial unity will exist to guarantee national security because division and conflict will only bring great misfortune.
This contribution is also the same during the Muslim festive season where contributions will also be channelled to them during the upcoming Hari Raya and also when the community celebrates the Chinese New Year.
In Sabah, unity has long been established and there are a number of mixed marriages.
The Chairman of Qhazanah Sdn Bhd said no party should try to stir up racial sentiments.
“Therefore, the people need to maintain unity to ensure harmony in order to ensure national security,” he emphasized.
A total of 45 churches received contributions at the event with a total contribution of RM31,000 with category A churches receiving RM1,000 and RM600 for those in category B.
Also present were Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah, Sipitang Assistant District Officer Razan Zawani Asli, Head of the Maintenance Department of Petronas Chemical Fertiliser Sabah Mark Winston, Sindumin Community Development Leader Wendey Agong Baruh and Sipitang District Police Deputy Chief Insp Noel Soludin.
