KOTA KINABALU: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Barisan Nasional (GRS-Barisan) government is committed towards providing continuous cash assistance to non-Muslim religious bodies and schools in Sabah.

       Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the government has in fact set aside RM27mil to be channelled as cash contributions to non-Muslim religious bodies under the state budget this year.

       "As of May 2022, non-Muslim schools have received cash assistance of RM2,403,150 through the Chief Minister's special allocation," he said, in a statement here on Tuesday (June 14).

       At the same time, he said, non-Muslim religious bodies were also given RM1.73mil within the same period.

       Meanwhile, Hajiji said the GRS-Barisan state government under his stewardship would continue to uphold and protect the freedom of religion in Sabah, as enshrined under the state's Constitution.

       The GRS chairman said this was one of the ways to preserve the good and friendly relations enjoyed between people of various religious backgrounds in the state.

       "Respecting each others' belief is among the pillars behind our strength and unity in Sabah.

       "Although we have different faiths and come from various races, we continue to live together in peace and harmony. Hence, this should be protected," Hajiji said.

       He said this to a delegation led by Sabah Anglican Diocese Bishop, The Most Reverend Datuk Melter Jiki Tais who paid a courtesy call to the Chief Minister at his office in Menara Kinabalu here on Tuesday.

       Hajiji added that he personally has family members of different races and religions who have utmost respect for each other.