Tag - Culture

Kota Kinabalu: THE State Government has decided to maintain its allocation of about RM32 million for non-Muslim organisations and schools in Sabah this year, despite the current economic challenges. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said he distributed a total of RM31.398 million in grants to a total of 567 houses of worship and schools in Sabah. The government agreed to disburse such grants to the identified recipients so that they would able to carry out their daily operations and routines. Last year, the State Government disbursed over RM30 million to these groups. "Of the total figure, the non-Islamic religious bodies in the State such as churches, Chinese temples, Hindu and Sikh places of worship are getting a total of RM16.946 million and of this, RM11.836 million is for the churches; RM4.825 million for Chinese temples and RM285,000 to Hindu and Sikh temples. "As for the schools, they are getting a total of RM14.452 million including Chinese Independent schools, mission schools and kindergartens. "In terms of disbursement to schools, the Independent Chinese schools will receive RM3.15 million, national-type secondary schools or 'Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan' are allocated RM2.1 million, national primary and secondary schools are getting RM2.08 million and the largest sum of RM6.4 million is allocated to Chinese-medium national-type schools (Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina). Kindergartens will receive RM485,000 and private mission schools are to be allocated RM220,000," he said. Musa said this at the presentation of the annual grants and financial assistance to schools and non-Islamic religious bodies for the West Coast South and Lower Interior region of Sabah at the Banquet Hall of the State Legislative Assembly here on Monday. Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Raymond Tan, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, State Education Director Datuk Maimunah Suhaibul and other officials. According to Musa, non-Muslim religious bodies and schools in the West Coast South are getting RM17.12 million while similar bodies in the lower interior region are allocated RM1.455 million. He said the State Government will continue to assist the non-Islamic religious bodies and schools like what has been done over the years. "Our records showed that RM171.10 million has been disbursed to non-Islamic religious bodies in Sabah since 2004, and RM131.44 million was allocated to schools. "I understand from the feedback and responses from the recipients of the grants, the past allocations have been used efficiently and have allowed places of worship and schools to make repairs, extension and to purchase their essential items. "I can assure you that the State Government is doing its very best to allocate what we can to meet their needs and due to prudent financial management, the State Government has been able to steadily increase this annual allocation," he said. Musa, who is also the State Finance Minister said the large allocation for non-Islamic religious bodies is reflective of the government's commitment in upholding religious freedom. He said there is no discrimination and all parties should act responsibly when discussing issues related to religion and the rights of all citizens as enshrined in the Federal Constitution. Together with the Islamic bodies, he said the non-Islamic religious bodies play an important role in promoting positive values in society. "I would like to stress here that religion-based issues do not arise in Sabah. Therefore, I am calling on the people not to be influenced or simply believe seditious remarks and views by irresponsible quarters that have their own agenda. "All this while, the people in Sabah are living in peace and harmony and we practice mutual respect irrespective of the people's various backgrounds in terms of race, culture and religious beliefs. "In fact, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak even admitted and recognised Sabah as the best role model of the 1Malaysia spirit. So let us preserve the spirit of unity, camaraderie and solidarity we have been enjoying," Musa said. Despite socio-economic programmes and other development demands that require funds, he said the State Government will not back down from its commitment to assist schools. He assured that the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government would continue to assist the schools and focus on education development at all levels. He said the government is constantly striving to bridge the gap between facilities in urban and rural areas. "We are aware that some schools in remote locations need better facilities, and infrastructures such as roads. "To achieve this, we are constantly working with the Ministry of Education to look for solutions that will improve both the standard of education and facilities that will make teaching and learning more effective, as well as boost the standard of education in Sabah," he said. Musa also hoped that non-Islamic religious bodies and schools that receive the allocations will be able to implement their programmes and activities successfully, continue to keep up the good work and to continue serving their schools and religious institutions to the best of their abilities. Source: Daily Express