KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has allocated grants totalling RM54.05 million to schools and non-Muslim religious bodies in this year’s Budget that marked an increase of RM7.05 million compared to last year’s amount, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
“This shows that the State Government is very sensitive to the needs of the people and serious in assisting them irrespective of race and 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 today.
His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Industrial Development, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
This year, the State Government is giving out lion heads worth RM1.5 million 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 the Chinese New Year celebration shows the commitment of the State Government to continue supporting and assisting the multi-racial community,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the Government is committed to the policy of equality and fairness in all aspects.
“The State 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 multi-racial and religious people in 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 progress and move forward,” he said.
Ends