Unifor to Enhance Role in Safeguarding Religious Harmony in Sarawak
KUCHING (July 12) — The Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) is poised to undergo a significant transformation with the goal of becoming a full-fledged department under the Sarawak state government. This strategic move is being guided by Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, as announced by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Collaboration for Growth
Strategic Guidance for Expansion
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas highlighted the critical role of Unifor in maintaining religious harmony and addressing the needs of various religions within Sarawak’s diverse society. He emphasized the ongoing collaboration with Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee to ensure Unifor is well-prepared for its expansion into a state government department.
“Unifor safeguards religious harmony and looks after the needs of other religions in multiracial Sarawak. The unit is now in the process of expanding into a department to enhance its role. I hope Hii can guide the unit to become a department and see how things can be worked out,” Uggah stated during the Unifor exchange of duty dinner at a local hotel on Thursday night.
Leadership Transition
Welcoming a New Director
The dinner event also marked a significant transition in Unifor’s leadership. The new director, Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau, officially took over from the outgoing director, Datu Jack Aman. The signing ceremony of this exchange was witnessed by Deputy Premier Uggah.
In his welcoming remarks, Uggah praised Georgina’s extensive leadership experience, expressing confidence in her ability to lead Unifor effectively. Georgina, who previously served as the Director of the Registrar of Societies Sarawak, assumed her new role on July 1.
“I am committed to continuing the excellent work of my predecessors. I will strive not only to maintain their efforts but also to enhance the original purpose for which Unifor was created,” Georgina remarked in her speech. “I am also fortunate to have had interactions with all former Unifor directors during my tenure with the Registrar of Societies.”
Vision for the Future
Strengthening Unity and Harmony
In her speech, Georgina emphasized her dedication to finding innovative ways to preserve and strengthen the solid inter-religious and interracial unity that Sarawak is known for. She outlined her vision to build upon the robust foundation laid by her predecessors and to elevate Unifor’s role in promoting religious harmony.
“My new responsibilities include finding ways and means to preserve and further strengthen existing solid inter-religious and interracial unity and harmony in Sarawak,” she added.
Distinguished Guests and Supporters
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Dr. Penguang Manggil, Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata, and Association of Churches Sarawak Chairman Rt Rev Datuk Danald Jute. Their presence underscored the broad support for Unifor’s mission and its pivotal role in fostering religious harmony.
The Road Ahead
Unifor’s Strategic Goals
As Unifor embarks on this transformative journey, the strategic guidance from Datu Hii Chang Kee and the leadership of Datuk Georgina Apphia Ngau will be instrumental in shaping its future. The expansion into a state department represents a significant milestone in Unifor’s mission to safeguard religious harmony and address the needs of Sarawak’s multiracial and multi-religious community.
Unifor’s evolution is not just an administrative change but a profound step towards enhancing its capability to serve the community more effectively. By becoming a department, Unifor will have greater resources and authority to implement policies and initiatives that promote religious harmony and unity.
“The transformation of Unifor into a department is a testament to the state’s commitment to religious harmony and inclusiveness,” noted Deputy Premier Uggah. “With the right leadership and support, I am confident that Unifor will continue to play a crucial role in maintaining peace and unity in Sarawak.”