THE allocation for interfaith dialogue under the National Unity Ministry was put under the microscope by Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid following a reduction in funding for programmes to promote unity.
The amount was reduced from RM50 mil to RM46 mil, a decrease of RM4 mil.
Of this amount, how much is meant for interfaith dialogues, community mediation and efforts to overcome prejudice, she asked, while highlighting a social media posting that raises concerns about racial prejudice in Malaysia.
The DAP federal lawmaker also queried the number of conflicts resolved, and improved intercommunity relations while debating the ministry’s allocation under Budget 2027.
The National Unity Ministry was also asked whether it had an early intervention mechanism to address tensions when they arose locally, and how long it took to bring opposing parties together to resolve the issue.
Questions were also raised regarding the RM24 mil allocated for upgrade works, amid a lack of information about the projects.
The National Unity Ministry was also asked whether it had an early intervention mechanism to address tensions when they arose locally and how long it took to bring opposing parties to resolve the issues
She raised the questions while debating the ministry’s allocation under Budget 2027.
Questions were also raised regarding the RM24 mil allocated for upgrade works, amid a lack of information about the projects.
While there is no denial on the need for upgrade works, information on the project location and beneficiaries were lacking.
On the issue of additional food provision at nurseries, she raised concerns over rising food costs, because the allocation for food remained at RM30.2 mil while the per-capita grant remained at RM4.45 mil.
“When was the last time the rates were revised? Is it sufficient to provide truly nutritious food?” she asked.
She also sounded the alarm over a RM3.5 mil allocation for nursery and kindergartens programmes as the funding was vital in training new teachers and ensuring children with special needs are not left out.
In addition she highlighted how the kindergartens played a role in shaping children into better adults.
Unity kindergartens are places where children get to know others from different linguistic, cultural and religious backgrounds. What they learn to respect today determines how they treat others when they are adults.
The government was told that unity does not require everyone to agree. It is the ability to differ in opinions without insulting, to be of different faiths without doubts and to be of different races without denying the rights of others.
“Unity cannot be measured by how many people gather in front of the camera. What matters is how we treat each other once the camera stops rolling.
“Do we respect the belief of others? Are we concerned about the neighbour in dire need? Are every community being treated fairly?”
Syerleena stressed that every citizen has the right to be represented regardless of race and religion. —Nov 4, 2026
