Baru raises red flags over govt donation to Sarawak churches

 

Baru Bian says there are over 800 churches in Sarawak, but only those in Lawas and Trusan received the aid.

KUCHING: A Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) leader has raised questions over a state government agency’s move to distribute aid to churches a week before the Sarawak elections.

Baru Bian, the Ba’Kelalan candidate said while there was nothing wrong with the government giving funds to churches, the timing of the donation was “questionable and raises many red flags”.

He was referring to reports that directors from the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) had visited and donated some RM1million to 41 Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB) churches in Lawas and Trusan.

“There are over 800 SIB churches in Sarawak, but only those in Lawas and Trusan were given money in the week before elections.”

He accused Gabungan Parti Sarawak of trying to buy votes from the predominantly Christian voters in Ba’Kelalan.

“The choice of venue for the presentation of the cheques is also deplorable. Instead of the Dewan Masyarakat (community hall), they organised the distribution of such allocations at various churches.”

Baru said he was confident voters in Ba’Kelalan were wise enough to realise there was a political agenda behind the donation.

“I urge them to condemn such mischievous ways of trying to buy votes. We must reject those people who have no regard or respect for the sanctity of our church and our faith, and think so little of us that they attempt to put a price on our self-respect and loyalty.” - FMT