SANTUBONG: Sarawak's Barisan Nasional (BN) government has never forgotten its responsibility to care for and protect the welfare of the non-Muslim community in the state.
The assurance was given by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas, who is the minister in-charge of non-Muslim affairs in Sarawak.
Updating on the progress of the establishment of the state’s non-Islamic Affairs Unit, which was announced in June, Douglas said the state government is continually finding ways to resolve issues affecting the said group.
“I want to give my assurance that the BN government has not forgotten our responsibilities related to this particular unit.
“We are constantly looking at issues which require resolution," said Douglas at the launch ceremony of the three-day “Sarawak Rural Economy - Towards a Vibrant and Progressive Rural Economy” workshop here today.
He said the second meeting involving stakeholders of the unit would be convened soon.
Douglas said the unit has begun operations although the head of the entity has yet to be appointed.
“Although the head has yet to be appointed, I have already been tasked as the minister-in-charge. And if there are any issues, it will be channelled to me.
“We are in the final stages and are looking into the term of reference, the area of responsibilities (that should be looked into by the unit),” he said.
The Non-Islamic Affairs Unit includes the interests of those from the Christian, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikh, Taoism and Baha’i faiths.
The setting up of the institution was approved by Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem during the recently-concluded state legislative assembly sitting.