Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam (centre) representing the Chief Minister at the presentation ceremony of lion heads to various associations and temples in the state in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday (Jan 5).
KOTA KINABALU: Schools and non-Muslim religious bodies in Sabah have been allocated state grants amounting to RM54.05mil under this year’s state budget, said Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Chief Minister said this allocation marked an increase of RM7.05mil compared to last year's amount.
"This shows that the state government is very sensitive to the needs of the people and serious in assisting them irrespective of race or religion," he said at the presentation ceremony of lion heads to various associations and temples in the state at the Magellan Sutera Resort and Spa here Thursday (Jan 5).
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also the state Industrial Development Minister.
This year, Hajiji said, the Sabah government is giving out lion heads worth RM1.5mil that will be distributed through the respective state and parliamentary constituencies.
"The presentation of the lion heads to the Sabah Chinese community in conjunction with Chinese New Year shows the commitment of the state government to continue supporting and assisting the multiracial community," he said.
The Chief Minister said the government was committed to equality and fairness in all aspects.
"The government will always assist the people of all races and religions in ensuring they will be able to celebrate their respective celebrations," he said.
Hajiji hoped that the assistance would further spark the spirit of the Chinese New Year celebrations and at the same time continue to nurture the spirit of camaraderie and unity among the diverse nature of 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 move forward." Ends
