Sabah leaders propose theological scholarships for church leaders

Sabah government leaders met with the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC) to discuss improving the implementation mechanisms for development allocations for non-Islamic houses of worship, particularly in preparation for the Sabah 2027 Budget.

During the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Ewon Benedick proposed that the Sabah government introduce scholarships or study assistance for church leaders pursuing theological studies. This proposal is intended as a form of government support for the development of religious leadership and institutions within the state.

The discussion was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Joachim Gunsalam and included several Christian members of the Sabah Cabinet, such as Rubin Balang and Julita Majungki, alongside various Christian denominations including the Anglican Diocese of Sabah and the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia.