The Ministry of Housing and Local Government has approved an allocation totaling RM5.52 million for 38 Non-Islamic Houses of Worship (RIBI) in Sabah in celebration of diversity.
“From 2023 until July 18, 2024, a total of 38 RIBI in Sabah had their applications approved with total assistance amounting to RM5.52 million,” said Minister Nga Kor Ming at the Handing Over Ceremony for RIBI Allocation at the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia, Penampang.
“We want everyone to practice their own religions because this is the foundation for good morals in a Madani Society,” he said.
“Despite our diverse backgrounds, we can live in harmony and mutual respect with one another. Diversity is our way of life. This is what we will continue to uphold and preserve in the Madani government today,” he continued.
At the ceremony, Nga handed over assistance totaling RM3.49 million to 22 recipients representing their respective RIBI.
As of July 18, a total of 338 RIBI nationwide have received allocations totaling RM36.43 million in 2024.
Nga further defended the Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, for her participation in a school charity concert associated with a beer company.
“The deputy minister is a leader for the people, regardless of their race and religion. When she attended the fundraiser organized by a Chinese primary school, she even gave a RM100,000 allocation to the school.”
“The deputy minister is there to support the school in her constituency; what’s wrong with that?” Nga said.
“Unfortunately, this charitable effort was politicized by PAS, once again demonstrating their extremism and the conservatism of PN, attempting to politicize fundraisers organized by the schools,” he criticized.
According to Nga, brewery companies have continuously supported local Chinese primary schools through these charity fundraisers for 40 years since 1984.
“We should commend Datuk Aiman for her charitable act, not create division within our multiracial society as the opposition is trying to do,” said Nga.
