KOTA KINABALU, Jan 5 — The Sabah government has allocated grants totalling RM54.05 million to schools and non-Muslim religious bodies in this year's state budget, an increase of RM7.05 million compared with last year's allocation.
Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, said this demonstrated that the Sabah government was very sensitive to the needs of the people and serious in assisting them irrespective of race or religion.
He said this in his speech text, delivered by Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Sabah Industrial Development Minister, at the presentation ceremony of lion heads (for lion dance) to various associations and temples in the state, here today.
This year, the Sabah government is presenting lion heads worth RM1.5 million, which will be distributed through the respective state and parliamentary constituencies.
Hajiji said the presentation of the lion heads to the Chinese community in the state, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration, showed the commitment of the Sabah government to continue supporting and assisting the multi-racial community.
“The state government will always assist the people, of all races and religions, in ensuring that they will be able to celebrate their respective celebrations,” he said, adding that the Sabah government is committed to the policy of equality and fairness in all aspects.
Hajiji also hoped that the assistance would further boost the spirit of the Chinese New Year celebrations and, at the same time, continue to nurture the spirit of camaraderie and unity among the multi-racial and religious people in the state.
“In conjunction with the New Year, I call upon people in the state, including the Chinese community, to work hand-in-hand with the government to develop the state, and ensure that Sabah will continue to progress and move forward,” he added. — Bernama
