Churches receive federal grants totalling RM1 million
LAWAS: The federal government has disbursed RM1 million in grants to 21 churches in the Lawas parliamentary constituency as pledged in the last state election.
Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili said this at the presentation ceremony in Kampung Mission Lawas community hall last Sunday.
He said construction of Long Semadoh government secondary school was another project pledged during the last state election campaign is expected to begin in March next year.
On the opposition of MPs from Sabah and Sarawak to the private Bill submitted by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang to amend the Syariah (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965, he said they disagreed with it as the present legal framework is sufficient and any addition would be confusing.
“Our stand is in line with the plural society in this country which has been served well in a democratic system under the BN Government, “he said.
Maximus later announced the allocation of RM 50,000 for Maktab Injil Malaysia( MIM) Kampung Mission Lawas and another RM50, 000 for the futsal court and recreational facilities there.
Earlier, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism( KPDNKK) Datuk Henry Sum Agong , who is also Lawas MP, said Lawas district is still in need of more development to benefit the people and appealed for more funds for area.
Also present at the function were KPDNKK Sarawak director Datuk Stanley Tan, political secretary to Maximus, Datuk Daniel Kinsik, Lawas District Officer Husaini Hakim, community and Church leaders of Lawas.