Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government and the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC) discussed improving the implementation mechanism for allocations for non-Muslim houses of worship, especially under the 2027 Budget.
Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick said the meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the needs of non-Muslim houses of worship.
“I proposed that scholarships or study assistance be introduced for church leaders pursuing theological studies as another form of government support,” he said.
The discussion was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam and attended by Christian members of the Sabah Cabinet, including Ewon, Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang and Assistant Minister of Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Datuk Julita Majungki.
Ewon said the meeting was important in strengthening cooperation between the state government and religious institutions, in line with Sabah’s religious and cultural diversity.
He said he was pleased with the support from SCC leadership for the first meeting of its kind and hoped it would continue as a platform for discussions between the government and churches.
SCC President Bishop Wong Pui Kong said the churches appreciated the Sabah Government’s efforts to preserve harmony among the state’s multiracial and multi-religious communities.
He said the peaceful and respectful environment in Sabah was valuable and expressed appreciation for the state government’s continued respect for freedom of religion.
“We believe the government and churches each have a role to play in bringing good to society and building a better future for the next generation,” he said.
