THE State Government is always committed to ensuring equality and fairness when helping people of various races and religions in Sabah, including that religious freedom as enshrined in the Constitution, continues to be maintained.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said respecting each other’s beliefs would continue to be a pillar of strength and unity in the State.
“The Government always supports non-Muslim religious bodies and schools to ensure their needs are met, including continuing to provide assistance to ensure that unity, racial harmony and strong religious tolerance continue to be prioritised.
“In addition to aid for schools, the State Government also cares about the needs of non-Muslim religious bodies in Sabah such as on development and repairing works of their houses of worship, among others.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more “Last year, the State Government channelled RM20.8 million for churches in Sabah involving 16 church denominations, RM5.8 million for 152 temples and RM400,000 for 10 Hindu/Sikh temples,” he said at a dinner held in conjunction with the 12th World Tua Pek Kong Festival at Hakka Hall, Kota Kinabalu, on Sept 15.
His speech was read by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir.
Hajiji said the 12th Tua Pek Kong World Parade Festival in Sabah is looked forward to by the Chinese community, especially Tua Pek Kong followers who pay respect to the “God of Prosperity”.
He is confident that the festival, which brings together various traditions and cultures, also enriches the diversity of Malaysian heritage.
“The festival is also a good example of how culture can unite us, which will bring harmony in a multi-racial society,” he said.
In facing a borderless digital world, Hajiji said it is very important that people continue to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of their ancestors so that they do not extinct and disappear with time.
“It is certain that through this festival, it is the best platform for our society to preserve the traditional values that have been inherited from previous generations to future generations.”
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