Semaikan semangat kesukarelaan: Karim

by Agnes Tugong

October 21, 2011, Friday

Semangat kesukarelaan masyarakat dilihat semakin terhakis terutama di kawasan bandar

LUNDU: Semangat kesukarelaan di kalangan masyarakat dilihat semakin terhakis terutama di kawasan bandar.

Keadaan ini menimbulkan kebimbangan Menteri Muda Perumahan merangkap Menteri Muda Pembangunan Sosial Abdul Karim Hamzah.

Justeru, beliau menuntut agar semangat sukarela disemai dalam jiwa setiap masyarakat tanpa mengira peringkat dan latar belakang.

“Jika kita lihat ketika ini, semangat sukarela semakin hari semakin terhakis terutama di kawasan bandar.

“Oleh itu penting untuk kita menganjurkan program yang dapat menyemai semangat sukarela dalam setiap jiwa masyarakat kita,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada Majlis Penutupan Rasmi Kursus Asas Skuad Rakan Muda RELA Siri 4/2011 di Stadium Tertutup, Kompleks Sukan Lundu di sini semalam.

Kursus tersebut telah diadakan selama enam hari bermula 14 Oktober lepas melibatkan 100 anggota muda RELA dari Kuching, Asajaya, Simunjan, Samarahan, Lundu dan Sematan.

Adenan beri peringatan elak 'tradisi kecil'

October 21, 2011

KUCHING: Pesta Konvokesyen Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) 2011 bakal menyaksikan institusi pengajian tinggi itu melakarkan sejarahnya dalam Malaysia Book of Records menerusi aktiviti 88 jam pantun tanpa henti ‘88@Pantun.unimas.my’.

Naib Cancelornya Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid berkata, aktiviti itu akan diadakan seawal jam 6 pagi bermula dari 20 hingga 22 Oktober ini.

“Saya berharap para pelajar akan memberikan kerjasama untuk merealisasikan sasaran ini agar dapat disenaraikan dalam Malaysia Book of Records,” katanya berucap sempena majlis perasmian Pesta Konvokesyen UNIMAS 2011 malam kelmarin yang disempurnakan oleh Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia dan Menteri Muda Perumahan Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yang mewakili Menteri Tugas-tugas Khas Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem.

Dalam pada itu, beliau berkata, karnival tahunan itu yang julung kalinya diadakan di Kampus Barat UNIMAS turut menyelitkan pelbagai aktiviti menarik seperti konsert bersama Bunkface, Planet Radio dengan menjemput juruhebah-juruhebah radio swasta di seluruh negara, pesta ria, pameran keilmuan, gerai jualan dan banyak lagi.

“Saya berharap kunjungan masyarakat ke UNIMAS sem-pena Pesta Konvokesyen ini akan memberi kesan positif dan motivasi khususnya kepada anak-anak muda.

“Selain itu, daripada lawatan ke kampus ini juga akan dapat menyemai cita-cita di kalangan anak-anak muda untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada pelajar UNIMAS,” kata Khairuddin.

Sementara, Adenan me-nerusi teks ucapan beliau yang dibacakan oleh Karim berkata, Pesta Konvokesyen tersebut merupakan peluang kepada masyarakat untuk membawa anak-anak ke UNIMAS sebagai langkah memotivasikan mereka agar lebih rajin dan mempu-nyai impian menjadi pelajar universiti pada suatu hari kelak.
  

Galeri: Press Conference at ‘Rumah Mampu Milik’ (RMM) project site at Taman Dabai Indah, Kanowit

October 19, 2011

BUILD IT HERE: Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg (third left) asking the developer on the progress of the housing project as others look on.

Asajaya representative taking over duties of Kota Samarahan MP

Saturday October 15, 2011

KUCHING: Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim Hamzah has taken over funding allocation and administration duties from Kota Samarahan MP Datuk Seri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib.

Karim, who is the newly appointed Youth Development and Housing Assistant Minister, told reporters here yesterday that he had a “good relationship” with Samarahan residents.

“Whatever money is allocated to him (Sulaiman), I’m the one who is handling it,” Karim said in response to a question on whether an assemblyman like him felt “handicapped” that the Kota Samarahan MP “has not been on the ground much”.

“That problem does not arise at all,” Karim said. “The committees which are supposed to be held by him, most of them are handled by me.”

Asked what was Sulaiman’s reason for his absence, Karim replied: “I believe he has got some personal problems himself.”

On whether Karim had communicated with Sulaiman recently, Karim said: “Not really.”

“A long time ago, yes (we communicated). Each MP is allocated certain amount of funds, those funds are looked after by his (Sulaiman’s) office, together with myself and Datuk Seri Ali,” Karim said, referring to Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mahmud.

Abdul Karim: No complaints about Sulaiman rarely visiting constituents

October 15, 2011, Saturday

KUCHING: Samarahan constituents are not complaining that their MP Dato Sri Sulaiman Taib rarely goes down to his area Asajaya, said assemblyman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“If there had been any big problem or complaint, the matter would have been in the open but so far his rare visit is not really an issue,” he said.

He said the physical absence of the Samarahan MP was not a big problem because whatever development projects and allocations for the area would be handled either by him or the assemblyman for Muara Tuang, Datuk Seri Mohammad Ali Mahmud.

“One good thing that I notice is the very good relationship between the administration, the District Office, Resident’s Office and government agencies with the elected representatives from both Muara Tuang and Asajaya so there had not been any problem.

“Whatever allocation he (Sulaiman) got, I am the one handling it. Whatever committees are supposed to he held by him, most of it are handled by me,” he said when answering reporters’ questions at a press conference after witnessing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) and Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suites here yesterday.

Abdul Karim who is Assistant Housing Minister said he was unsure why the former tourism minister had not been able to visit his constituency.

“I believe he has got some personal problem himself… I believe lah.”

DAP, stay out of rural area !

October 11, 2011

KUCHING: The failure of the Dayak Consultative Council (DCC) seminar organised by the DAP in Siburan last Sunday afternoon has prompted several state BN leaders to advise the opposition party to forget about bringing their brand of politics to the rural or semi-rural areas.

The seminar had Dr John Brian Anthony, chairman of DCC, as main speaker and state DAP chairman Wong Ho Leng and secretary Chong Chieng Jen as supporting speakers. Also present at the event to lend moral support were DCC members Edward Luak and Ben Diomedes

As only a few people turned up, the DAP had to convert the seminar into a press conference attended by six reporters, mostly from the Chinese press. There were about 80 empty seats at the venue.

The failure was a massive blow to the Chinese-based opposition party’s effort to penetrate the rural areas. John Brian had flown all the way from Kuala Lumpur, hoping to deliver his speech in front of a full house audience.

Ho Leng, the Sibu MP and Bukit Assek assemblyman, explained that the people in Siburan had other commitments and that was why they could not attend the so called non-political Dayak seminar.

The Borneo Post asked state BN leaders on what they thought about this ill-fated seminar.

Bengoh assemblyman Dr Jerip Susil, who is also Assistant Minister of Public Health, said: “They (DAP) are trying to penetrate Bengoh, but the people are not keen on their brand of politics.”

Karim: Budget emphasises skills training because not all can go to universities

October 8, 2011

KUCHING: Youths stand to benefit from the allocations for skills training and sports facilities in Budget 2012, Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said.

He said the RM200mil allocated for skills training for youths who do not continue their schooling was a good move by the Federal Government.

“We cannot expect all youths to be able to go to university, so there is a need for vocational or skills training for those who don’t continue their schooling. This will enhance the development of youths and help them to assimilate into society with useful skills,” he said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced yesterday that the RM200mil allocation under the Strategic Action for Youth (SAY 1 Malaysia) programme would provide skills training to be conducted by institutions such as community colleges, Institut Kemahiran Mara, Institut Latihan Perindustrian and Giat Mara. Trainees would be given practical training in government-linked and private companies to enable them to secure employment.

Karim welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of RM320mil to implement skills training, leadership programmes, resilience and entrepreneurship for youths at state and district levels.

He was also happy that funds would be allocated for more futsal and football facilities to be built.

“Futsal and football are sports of interest among youths today. In my constituency, practically every kampung is asking for a futsal court. Most of the kampung youths love futsal, so I’m glad that the Government is sensitive to their needs,” the Asajaya assemblyman said.
   

Retirement age extension won’t affect work, promotion prospects, says Karim

October 8, 2011

KUCHING: Assistant Minister of Youth Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the extension of compulsory retirement age from 58 to 60 years as announced in Budget 2012 will not affect the chances of youths to work or move up the civil service ladder.

In an SMS to The Borneo Post yesterday, Karim said opportunities were still wide open and available at all times, depending on the demand.

“As it is now, job aspirants and varsity graduates do not list civil service as their top priority in scouting for jobs. They rather look at other factors such as salary and perks,” he said.

Portal to transform housing loan service

October 7, 2011

A CLICK OF THE MOUSE: Karim (centre) launches the housing loan portal while Shuib (right) and state Federal Finance officer Datu Jabidah Monseri look on.

KUCHING: The newly launched Integrated Housing Loan System (SPPB) Portal by the state’s Treasury Malaysia agency is a transformation in service to the clients of its Housing Loan Section (BPP).

The implementation of the portal is an enormous improvement to the delivery system for all the civil servants who wish to apply for the Treasury housing loan.

“Through this portal, Treasury housing loan applicants could utilise the full functionality of the system online, where they can make an application, check their application status, request for refund and advanced payment, and others.

“SPPB is also user-friendly with auto-complete function that will help users to key-in data quickly and accurately,” said Housing and Social Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah when officiating at its launch yesterday.

He said BPP, through the implementation of the portal, showed that they are practising the four values of civil service.

“The government greatly emphasises on national transformation programmes that give the best service to the people. BPP has proven that by inculcating creativity and innovation, the need for fast action and decision, value for money and integrity could be met.

“This effort will give a strong impact to the Treasury Malaysia as it will improve the administration of government’s funds,” he pointed out.

Portal mudahkan permohonan pinjaman perumahan dilancar

October 7, 2011

KUCHING: Badan Pinjaman Perbendaharaan (BPP) melancarkan Portal Sistem Pinjaman Perumahan Bersepadu (SPPB) untuk memudahkan permohonan pinjaman perumahan bagi pemohon cukup syarat dilakukan atas talian (online).

Menteri Muda Perumahan Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata sistem itu berupaya memberi kelulusan pinjaman bersyarat secara atas talian bagi membantu penjawat awam memiliki kediaman sendiri.

“Portal ini untuk menyemak status permohonan, bayaran balik, bayaran kemajuan, penghantaran hak milik, baki pinjaman dan penyata tahunan mudah, cepat dan tepat oleh pemohon,” katanya di Majlis Pelancaran SPPB semalam.

Namun lebih membanggakan, SPPB dibangunkan sendiri secara dalaman tanpa melibatkan kos yang tinggi serta mengurangkan perbelanjaan kerajaan dari segi kos penyediaan dan pembangunan sistem.

Karim menambah, sistem itu mesra pelanggan yang dilengkapi fungsi ‘auto complete’ yang membantu pengguna membuat kemasukan maklumat permohonan dengan cepat dan tepat yang dihantar terus ke sistem pangkalan data berpusat.

Portal itu turut dilengkapi dengan kemudahan bayaran melalui perbankan internet (internet banking) bagi memudahkan pembayaran wang proses.

Terdahulu pihak BPP telah melancarkan e-Bayaran pada Mac 2009 diikuti e-Borang pada Disember 2010, diteruskan dengan penggunaan ‘Perkhidmatan sistem pesanan ringkas atau SMS untuk memaklumkan kelulusan pinjaman kepada peminjam.

Galeri: Press Conference on Sarawak Regatta 2011

October 6, 2011

FINDING FUN IN SPORTS: Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (seated, third right) with the Kota Samarahan Resident Rodziah Morshidi on his right and staff of Kota Samarahan Resident’s Office and other departments and agencies after a meeting on the Samarahan Regatta.

Karim urges Bumiputera not to be 'pengkhianat bangsa'

October 3, 2011

FOR THE ALBUM: Karim (fifth right), Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang (second left)
and other guests with the recipients of Merdeka Raya Special Award.

KUCHING: Assistant Minister of Housing Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has reminded the people, especially the Bumiputeras, not to blindly support the opposition without first understanding their real agenda.

Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Minister of Social Development, said the people should ponder why, for instance, the DAP was so keen to penetrate the rural areas after the April 16 polls.

“This is because they (DAP) have realised that only if they could gain the support of the rural populace would they have the chance to form the new government. Don’t forget that they are only fighting for a single race all this while. I don’t mean to be a racist, but this is the fact.

“The problem is that some Bumiputeras, who are not aware of the real situation, have given the opposition their support. Don’t become ‘pengkhianat bangsa’ (a quisling),” said Karim, who is also PBB Supreme Council member, at a Hari Raya gathering at SK Jalan Haji Baki near Kota Sentosa here.

Citing the statement by PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu on the battle at Bukit Kepong, Abdul Karim said the opposition would do anything, including altering historical facts, to gain political mileage.

Besides, DAP-governed Penang, he said, had decided not to continue low-cost housing project based on the weak argument that such a policy would not be good for the unity of the people as the majority of the residents of such housing estates were Bumiputeras.

“But the truth is that they (Penang government) don’t want Bumiputeras to gather together as they might become a hindrance for them to win the coming election. I believe the DAP would do the same if they were to govern Sarawak. I’m not here to threaten you but please think carefully.

Galeri: Outsider Sarikei Bernas emerge futsal champion

October 2, 2011

CHAMPIONS: Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (standing, fourth left), together with KBS officer Syed Zyed Wan Asnawi (second left) and Yong Soon Hang (third left ) with Sarikei Bernas after the prize giving ceremony yesterday.

Abdul Karim confident of successor’s capability

October 1, 2011

KUCHING: Former Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who has been appointed Assistant Minister for Youth Development and Housing, is confident that his successor will continue his good job.

Speaking to the press here yesterday, Abdul Karim kept mum about his potential successor but believed that the next chairman would be named the soonest within two weeks.

“We have got a few good YBs and that (getting a successor) should not be a problem at all. You will know it before the next state legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, which will be in November,” he said.

The Asajaya assemblyman said BN elected representatives would call for a meeting and decide the best candidate.

“Definitely, my views will be sought. BN Backbenchers Club is not a registered society, it is an in-house society just like a class unit that has a monitor,” he said.

Earlier, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud told reporters that BN would get “someone who can lead the team.”

The state BN chairman declined to name any potential backbencher who could take over the job from Abdul Karim.

Taib said DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar would seek consultation with members of the Backbenchers Club to come up with a name or two for a final decision.

“I don’t know that (a name). They will suggest one or two names then the speaker and I will make the final decision,” he said.