Kota Kinabalu: Luyang Assemblyman Samuel Wong has called for Sabah to establish a dedicated government unit to address the concerns, operational needs and development requirements of non-Muslim religious bodies and mission schools.
He said the move would provide a structured approach to replace fragmented engagement and help preserve Sabah’s multi-religious harmony.
“Sabah needs a permanent, dedicated government unit to effectively address the concerns, operational needs and development requirements of non-Muslim religious bodies and schools…to sustain the state’s unique multi-religious harmony,” he said.
In a statement, Samuel proposed that the unit be modelled on Sarawak’s Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), providing churches, temples, shrines and historic mission institutions with a clear channel to engage with the state government, navigate procedures and access assistance.
“Sabah’s greatest strength — peaceful coexistence among all faiths — deserves deliberate, lasting support. Religious communities and mission schools do far more than worship or teach: they deliver essential welfare, rural outreach, youth programmes and charity that serve the whole state,” he said.
While existing assistance is available, Samuel said one-off allocations and scattered engagement often failed to address long-term needs and institutional priorities.
He said the proposed unit would serve as a focal point rather than a divider by guiding organisations through government procedures, improving coordination between agencies and ensuring their contributions to Sabah’s social fabric were recognised and supported.
Samuel said Sarawak’s Unifor model offered useful lessons on institutionalising inclusivity, although Sabah should adapt the concept to suit its own needs rather than copy it entirely.
“From infrastructure to community initiatives, these bodies serve every corner of our society … a dedicated unit ensures their voice is heard clearly and consistently, so Sabah remains united, harmonious and strong,” he said.
