KOTA KINABALU: The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) wants the state to set up a Non-Islamic Affairs Special Unit under the Chief Minister's Department, said its president, Datuk Ewon Benedick.
"I propose that the Sabah Government consider enabling Christian religious leaders, such as priests and pastors, to undertake pilgrimages to holy sites through funds allocated for such purposes.
"This would particularly benefit those who have not yet had the chance to perform such pilgrimages," said the Kadamaian assemblyman during a debate session at the state assembly sitting here.
He also suggested the Finance Ministry coordinate aid that include the Non-Islamic Religious Institution Maintenance Assistance Initiative by the federal government.
The unit could also serve as a coordinating body for tax-exempt corporate contributions to non-Islamic schools and religious organisations in Sabah, including visits by non-Islamic religious leaders to the state.
Ewon, who is also the federal Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) minister, also proposed that the state establish a dedicated laboratory for testing locally produced goods seeking halal certification.
"Currently, such products are sent to laboratories in peninsular Malaysia, causing delays in the certification process.
"Establishing a laboratory in Sabah would streamline testing and certification, allowing entrepreneurs to access federal aid schemes, including those under KUSKOP."
On another note, he welcomed the RM80.19 million allocation for the Sabah Native Affairs Department.