KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — The Sabah government is looking at ways to improve how development allocations for non-Muslim houses of worship are implemented, with the mechanism to be considered ahead of the 2027 state Budget.
The Star reported that the issue was among matters discussed at a meeting between four senior state Cabinet ministers and leaders of the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC), led by its president Bishop Wong Pui Kong.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Seri Ewon Benedick said the discussions covered the needs of non-Muslim houses of worship and ways to improve the implementation of development allocations in 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 in Kota Kinabalu today.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and also involved Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang and Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki.
Representatives from various churches and Christian denominations also attended, 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.
The Cabinet ministers also shared updates on various initiatives being undertaken by the Sabah government under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Ewon welcomed the support from SCC leadership for what he described as the first meeting of its kind and said the next session would be hosted by Rubin.
“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.
Ewon said continued engagement was important to strengthen cooperation between the government and religious institutions in a state characterised by diverse religions, ethnicities, languages and traditions.
“May meetings like this bring blessings to Sabah as a state with diverse religions, ethnicities, languages, and traditions,” he said.
Wong said the churches valued the state government’s efforts to preserve harmony among people of different races, ethnicities and religions, as well as its respect for religious freedom.
“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 would continue working with the state government towards a peaceful and harmonious society and a better future for the next generation.
Date: 28 August, 2026 4:10 pm
Source: Malay Mail
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