PM approves RM2.5 million for St John’s parish hall building
TUARAN: An allocation of RM2.5 million has been approved by the Federal government for the construction of the new St John’s parish hall building here.
The approval came after the matter was brought to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s attention by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau after the Federal Cabinet meeting last week.
The approval was disclosed by Tangau in his speech at the BN Tuaran 14th general election machinery meeting at Dewan Seri Sulaman here last Sunday.
A week before that, Tangau had attended the Epiphany celebration and mass in conjunction with the pastoral visit of Archbishop of Kota Kinabalu Diocese, Datuk John Wong, to St John’s Church. Also on hand was Rev Father Raymond Edward.
They then visited the construction site of the new parish hall building which had faltered due to lack of funds.
Archbishop Wong had suggested that perhaps the 20,000 parishioners there could contribute RM100 each. But Tangau felt that the parishioners should not be burdened. Hence, he quietly went to see the Prime Minister to find a way to assist the parishioners in Tuaran.
“After explaining to him the situation, the PM gave the approval without hesitation. This demonstrates just how caring our Prime Minister is,” Tangau said to thunderous applause.
Tangau, who is also BN Tuaran deputy chief, said in this respect, the BN government’s track record in protecting the rights of the multi-racial and religious people in Sabah and country in general has been proven.
“The people can rest assured of their rights with the present government and leadership,” he said.
At the meeting were BN Tuaran chairman Datuk Hajiji Noor, Kiulu assemblyman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, PBS Tamparuli chief Datuk Jahid Jahim, PBS Kiulu chief Datuk Louis Rampas and all respective component parties’ chiefs.