Youth programmes not politically-motivated, says Karim

By SHARON LING sharonling@thestar.com.my

Monday November 21, 2011

KUCHING: Youth programmes organised by government agencies are not politically-motivated, Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said.

He said it would be wrong to assume that the government organised youth programmes and activities with political gains in mind.

“Any government, be it Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat if they come into power, has a responsibility towards youth development.

“We don’t organise programmes based on politics but to develop the youths and bring our nation to higher levels. There are no political elements involved,” he told reporters at the Breakfree 2011 youth carnival at the Civic Centre here yesterday.

Good game: Karim (centre) congratulating the futsal team members who came third at

the Breakfree 2011 youth carnival in Kuching Sunday.

Karim also said the government did not neglect youths and teenagers but held activities for them all year round.

“In fact, since I became an assistant minister about a month ago, I have been attending many youth events,” he said.

He added that it was important for the government to develop youths not only in terms of human capital but also socially.

“There are various social activities and entrepreneurship programmes for youths from all walks of life, including those from the rural areas, to participate in and contribute to the nation’s development,” he said.

Karim earlier handed out prizes to the winners of basketball and futsal competitions held as part of the carnival.

The two-day carnival was organised by Sarawak Champions, a youth empowerment programme by Youth Works Asia, and supported by the Youth and Sports Department and Social Development Ministry.