Non-Muslim groups deserve more funding: YB
Published on: Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai called on the State Government to increase the annual allocation for non-Muslim bodies.He said a bigger allocation was necessary as many non-Muslim places of worship as well as mission and independent school buildings are in a dilapidated condition and need urgent repairs.Noting that under the 2018 State Budget, a sum of RM32 million would be allocated for non-Muslim bodies, mission schools and independent schools, he suggested that the grant be increased to between RM35 million and RM40 million.
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"Sabah has quite a sizeable non-Muslim population and it is heartening that the State Government recognised their needs," he said when debating the proposed 2018 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly, Tuesday.As a non-Muslim Assemblyman, he said he is thankful to Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman for consistently providing annual allocation to non-Muslim bodies.Joniston said he is aware that the allocations for non-Muslim bodies have increased over the years from only RM7.08 million in 2004 to RM32 million this year."I believe the allocation is also a reflection that religious freedom in Sabah is very much alive," he said.
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On another matter, Joniston thanked Musa for recognising Kiulu together with Kedamaian as pilot project for rural tourism development.He said the recognition is apt as the number of visitors to Kiulu have seen a drastic increase over the last three years following concerted efforts to promote rural tourism.
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"Figures provided by the Kiulu Tourism Association showed that a total of 27,000 visitors came to Kiulu last year and between January to September this year, nearly 40,000 visitors were recorded generating revenue of RM3 million," he said.Joniston described the RM12 million special allocation under the 2018 State Budget for tourism development, with special focus to rural tourism, as most appropriate.Considering the booming tourism development in Kiulu, he suggested expansion of the Kiulu township by building new shophouses and commercial premises.To realise the expansion of the Kiulu township, he said it entails the need to speed up the construction of the Bayag bridge.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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