TUARAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced an allocation of RM54 million to help Chinese and mission schools as well as non-Islamic religious organisations in Sabah next year.
The amount was an additional RM7 million compared to RM47 million this year, he said during a dinner with the Tuaran Chinese community at Dewan Seri Sulaman here yesterday.
"This is in line with the commitment of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Barisan Nasional (GRS-BN) government to ensure the community's needs continue to be prioritised," said Hajiji who is also GRS chairman.
"I hope the aid will be able to ease the burden of the non-Islamic bodies to build and repair their buildings and places of worship in the state.
"The state government always emphasises the principle of justice and equality in all aspects and always helps its people regardless of race and religion.
"Since leading this state, I have given large allocations to the Chinese community to help in the education aspect as well as non-Muslim religious bodies.
"There is no favouritism in giving aid and we will help according to the needs of the people in this state," said Hajiji who is also the Sulaman assemblyman.
He said the interests of the Chinese community, including schools and culture were prioritised under the GRS-BN government.
"The solid support of the Chinese community in Sabah to the GRS-BN government in GE15 will ensure that the well-being of the community continues to be fought for," said Hajiji.
As such, he urged constituents in Tuaran to continue to support the GRS candidate for the Tuaran Parliamentary seat to ensure its victory in GE15.
"Don't waste our votes, tell our children to be wise and mature voters.
"He (Joniston) is the candidate for the ruling government and give the GRS-BN government a chance in this election," he called.
State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has been fielded by GRS to contest the Tuaran parliamentary seat.