Rep proposes one-stop platform for non-Muslim religious affairs in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU (Aug 28): The Sabah government should consider establishing a dedicated unit to coordinate matters involving non-Muslim religious bodies and mission schools, said Luyang assemblyman Samuel Wong.

He said the proposed unit would provide a more focused channel for churches, temples, kuils, and mission schools to engage with the government, while ensuring their specific needs are better understood and addressed.

“Sabah is a multiracial and multireligious region where people of different faiths and backgrounds have been able to live together peacefully.

“This is something we should value and protect,” he said in a statement.

Wong emphasised that the proposal was not intended to promote religious separation, but to strengthen cooperation and inclusiveness in Sabah.

He said religious organisations played an essential role beyond worship, contributing to charity, education, youth development, welfare, and outreach, including in rural and interior communities.

“Whether it is food aid, educational support, community programmes, youth development, or assistance to families in need, these efforts contribute directly to the welfare of Sabahans,” he said.

Wong also highlighted the role of mission schools in Sabah’s educational heritage, noting that their needs should be considered beyond individual funding allocations, including infrastructure, education, and community development.

While acknowledging existing government assistance, Wong said one-off allocations might not always address organisations’ continuing needs.

He proposed that the unit serve as a one-stop coordination platform to help religious bodies and mission schools navigate relevant government agencies and processes, without replacing existing departments.

Wong also suggested Sabah study Sarawak’s Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), which provides a dedicated mechanism for matters involving non-Islamic religious institutions and related facilities.

“Sabah can study the Sarawak model and see what is suitable for our own circumstances.

”We do not necessarily have to copy it exactly, but there is certainly something to learn from having a more focused government mechanism,” he said.

According to him, a more coordinated approach would strengthen communication between the government and religious organisations and ultimately allow more Sabahans to benefit from their community work.

“We are blessed to have a harmonious Sabah. Let us continue to protect that harmony, strengthen our understanding of one another, and work together for a better Sabah,” he added.