Sandakan: Karamunting assemblyman, Datuk Peter Pang En Yin said the distribution of nearly RM31 million to non-Muslim religious organisations and schools in Sabah showed the Barisan Nasional's commitment in supporting religious freedom and the development of education in Chinese schools.

He was referring to the financial aid given to 140 non-Muslim religious organisations and 266 schools in Sabah by the state government.

"The Barisan Nasional State Government is aware of the needs of the people. The financial grants given out to non-Muslim religious bodies and schools this year is the largest allocation since 2004," Pang said after his "turun padang" programme yesterday.

Pang thanked Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman and the State Government as the assistance would facilitate the implementation of programmes in the respective organisations and further strengthen teaching and learning in schools.

He said the State Government was able to increase the financial aid over the years since Datuk Musa became the Chief Minister eight years ago because of its strong financial standing.

A total of 140 non-Muslim religious organisations and 266 schools including Chinese independent and mission schools would receive aid totaling RM 30,994,000 from the State Government for 2012, Pang added.

The religious bodies including churches, Chinese temples and other non-Muslim places of worship would collectively receive RM18,029,000 while the schools were allocated RM12,965,000, he said.

"This will reduce the financial obligations of many individuals and the recipients, thus enabling them to make plans on future development for their respective organisations and schools," said Pang who is also Youth and Sports Minister.

Pang called on the people particularly the Chinese community in Sabah to continue giving their support to the Barisan Nasional under the leadership of Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa in the upcoming 13th General Elections to ensure continuity in economic growth, progress and development agendas.

Pang disclosed this when asked by the media to comment on last week's distribution of financial aid by the Chief Minister to non-Muslim bodies and schools in the State.