LONG WAT, Baram: The government will not deny the people’s right to freedom of religion although Islam may be the official religion of the country.
Religious organisations should therefore not be shy to ask for government assistance when the need arises, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau told the community at Long Wat in Baram.
The community had asked for grants and building materials to complete the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) – formerly known as Borneo Evangelical Church (SIB) – while the Catholics needed to repair the leaking ceiling and expansion of St Anthony’s Church in the village.
Construction work on the BEM church started in 2006 by the villagers themselves, but the progress was hampered by insufficient funds and building materials. They managed to construct the roof and cement floor but not the walls. The building was bigger than that planned.
Dennis assured both BEM and the Catholics that as a people’s representative, he will help them secure government assistance.
“As the amount needed by the evangelical group is quite big (their church is the biggest in Baram district) I will refer to Prime Minister’s Department for special allocations or funds,” he said.
“It is untrue as claimed by certain quarters that the government is half-hearted in granting requests for assistance to build churches or temples by non-Muslim organisations,” said Dennis.
“The government appreciates and acknowledges the contributions of religious bodies in human capital development, particularly spiritual and mental aspects that determine the development and progress of the country.”
The government allows public holidays on various festivities.
The people need to be tolerant of other people’s differences in a multi-racial and multi-religious society.
“Accept each other with open hearts and minds so as to work together to achieve the common goal of development and progress for the country,” he added.
He said unity was the foundation of peace and stability of the country for Malaysia to progress, and for investors and tourists to be drawn to the country.