KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government held discussions with the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC) to discuss improvements for the mechanism to implement development allocations for non-Muslim houses of worship in the state, particularly in the upcoming state Budget 2027.
Four senior state Cabinet ministers - Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick, Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang and Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki held the discussions with church leaders led by SCC president Bishop Wong Pui Kong.
Ewon said the meeting provided space for government leaders and SCC to discuss several matters related to the needs of non-Muslim houses of worship, including efforts to improve the implementation mechanism of development allocations in the future.
“I also proposed that scholarships or study assistance for church leaders pursuing theological studies be introduced as a form of government support,” he said after the meeting held here on Friday (Aug 28).
The discussion was chaired by Dr Joachim and attended by representatives from various churches and Christian denominations, including the Anglican Diocese of Sabah, Basel Christian Church of Malaysia, Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB) Sabah, Calvary Charismatic Centre, Grace Chapel, Sabah Evangelical Mission, Christian Revival Church, The Methodist Church, Sabah Baptist Association, Protestant Church of Sabah, Assembly of God, and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu.
All Cabinet members present also shared various ongoing initiatives being implemented by the Sabah Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Ewon expressed appreciation for the support shown by SCC leadership for this first-of-its-kind meeting.
“I am pleased that this inaugural meeting received support from SCC leadership, and I hope it can continue as a platform for dialogue between government leaders and the church,” he said, adding that the next meeting will be hosted by Rubin.
Ewon said that such meetings were important in strengthening relations and cooperation between the government and religious institutions, in line with Sabah’s diverse society.
“May meetings like this bring blessings to Sabah as a state with diverse religions, ethnicities, languages, and traditions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wong said the churches appreciate the Sabah government’s efforts in building and preserving harmony among people of different races, ethnicities, and religions.
“Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and understanding are precious gifts for Sabah. We also appreciate the Sabah government for always respecting and safeguarding religious freedom,” he said.
He added that SCC and churches in Sabah will continue to work with the state government in building a peaceful, harmonious, and respectful society.
“We believe the government and the church each have their roles in bringing good to society and building a better future for the next generation,” he said.
