Generally most Malaysians happy with BN government -Karim

by Peter Boon, reporters@theborneopost.com
December 31, 2012, Monday

"Definitely, we could not please everybody but I believe generally most Malaysians are happy with what the government is doing.” Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

SIBU: Malaysians are expected to lean towards the BN in greater numbers in the 13th general election after witnessing the recent political changes in Japan, opined state BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi yesterday.

Japanese voters recently re-elected the more conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) after getting fed-up with the non-performing Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ)

The LDP was in power in Japan for 55 years before being booted out by the DPJ in 2009.

“After just three years of trying the new party (DPJ), they (Japanese) quickly realised their lies and impossible manifestos, and their nation’s socio-economic well-being was under serious threat and jeopardy,” he said to The Borneo Post yesterday when asked for his forecast whether those who voted for the opposition previously would now come back to the BN in the impending polls.

Bernama reported Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as saying after opening the 15th delegates meeting of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) in Keningau, Sabah, on Saturday that more people were lending their support to the BN after the government introduced various transformation programmes which benefited all levels of the multi-racial society.

Dr Rundi said he believed Malaysians would not gamble away their future and that of their children by voting in Pakatan Rakyat which was bursting at the seams with empty promises and mere rhetoric.

“Most Malaysians have begun to realise the direction of both BN and Pakatan and how important is their relevance as far as their children and future generations are concerned,” he said.

“Hence, I am sure they would not gamble their future for the purpose for mere politicking and impossible empty promises made by Pakatan just to grab power.”

He added that the support swing in BN’s favour was to be expected as more people realise the capability and seriousness of the BN government in transforming the country into a developed nation.

“It is most important for everyone to focus on how to make Malaysia a better place for the future generations,” said Dr Rundi, who is also Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications).

Galeri: 27th anniversary of Masama Sdn Bhd

June 27, 2012

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: Datuk Fatimah Abdullah (fifth left) together with Masama Sdn Bhd managing director Juita Drap (sixth left) cutting a cake to mark the 27th anniversary of Masama Sdn Bhd.

Youth development programmes never politically motivated, says assistant minister

Wednesday December 12, 2012

KUCHING: Programmes tailored for youth development are meant to guide the young generation to be useful citizens.

Assistant Youth Development Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said these programmes had nothing to do with politics, but purely to help youths realise their potential to the fullest.

He said the state government had to be responsible in making sure that the young generation would turn out well so that they could lead Sarawak, its public and private sectors, as well as other organisations effectively.

“The present government will fail in its duties if many of our youths end up behind bars or in correctional centres.

“So when we organise programmes for youths, it’s about fulfilling our responsibility — it has nothing to do with politics.

“We want to guide our youths because we want them to be successful in the future, and eventually take over the leadership from us,” he said when closing the “Youth Leadership Boot Camp: Innovating4Tomorrow” here yesterday.

Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) held the event in collaboration with the Workforce Development Unit of the Chief Minister’s Office.

Guide youths so they do not stray -Karim

December 12, 2012

KUCHING: It is important to guide the young generation through youth-centric programmes so they will not stray.

Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said youth-centric programmes can reach out to youths as they are in tune with what youths want.

“We must guide youths properly so they have a successful future and not deviate into wrong-doing.

Belia perlu diberi bimbingan betul agar masa depan tidak berakhir di pusat serenti atau penjara

December 12, 2012

Ia untuk memastikan masa depan mereka tidak berakhir di pusat serenti atau penjara

KUCHING: Setiap belia sepatutnya diberi bimbi-ngan betul agar masa depan golongan terbabit tidak ber-akhir di pusat serenti atau penjara, kata Menteri Muda Belia Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Sehubungan itu, beliau berkata ibu bapa sebenarnya memikul tanggungjawab berat dengan memberi bim-bingan dan pendidikan terbaik bagi mencerahkan masa depan mereka.

“Kita tidak mahu masa depan belia berakhir di penjara atau pusat serenti.

“Apa yang perlu dilakukan sekarang adalah memberi bimbingan betul dan pendidikan terbaik kepada mereka,” katanya berucap pada Majlis Penutupan Program Innovating 4 Tomorrow di Pusat Konvensyen Borneo Kuching (BCCK) semalam.

Menurutnya, apabila sudah dimasukkan ke penjara atau pusat serenti maka ia akan merencatkan usaha seseorang belia untuk mencapai masa depan yang cerah.

“Rancangan untuk masa depan akan musnah apabila dimasukkan ke penjara atau pusat serenti,” ujarnya.

Beliau menjelaskan, belia merupakan aset penting yang bakal menjadi pemimpin yang akan menyambung legasi rancangan pembangunan negeri ini.

Abdul Karim: No place for PKR in Sarawak as hardcore supporters are leaving in droves

December 11, 2012

SIBU: There are only a small number of hardcore PKR members in the state and generally they do not have a place here.

In saying this, PBB supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah added that those who voted for PKR in the state were mostly those who were disgruntled with local issues and thus showed their anger by voting for the opposition.

“Their number is small. We won’t be seeing movement in mass of PKR members to BN in the state because there are not many of them,” he said when asked if the state would also witness en bloc PKR members quitting their party to join BN as in the peninsula.

He added, “Once, their grievances are addressed; they will be with BN again.”

According to Bernama, hardcore supporters of PKR numbering about 350 in Penang had quit the party having lost faith in the opposition leadership.

Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Youth Development, pointed out that generally PKR did not have a place in the state.

He said three state seats were lost to PKR purely because of local sentiments and grudges and not because the voters liked PKR.

Galeri: Inter-Housing Development Corporation (HDC) Al-Qural Recital

December 9, 2012

WELL DONE: Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg (back row, fourth left), Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (back row, third left) and others with the winners.

JOHAN: Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg (empat kiri) menyampaikan hadiah dan trofi kepada Marzuki Batu (tiga kanan) johan kategori lelaki dewasa pada Majlis Penutupan Tilawah Al-Quran HDC Sarawak di Miri, malam kelmarin.

Karim express concern over health issue in SCORE

December 6, 2012

Fellow BN assemblymen Karim Hamzah ... shared the same concern.

SCORE on track to be a success story

BINTULU: Since the launch in 2008, the progress of the mammoth Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) has been phenomenal.

Located in the state’s central region and stretching 320km along the coast from Tanjung Manis in Mukah to Samalaju in Bintulu, and extending into the hinterland, Score is fast emerging as the investment heaven especially through the Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP).

Located 62 km or 40 minutes drive from Bintulu town, the SIP covers a total of 8,000 hectares of land with half the area snapped up by foreign investors mainly from the energy intensive and heavy industries.

Within a span of four year SIP, which is part of Score and expected to be the key player for Score’s growth, recorded a total investment of RM29.10 billion and created 15,000 jobs for Sarawakians.

The bulk of the investment came from five companies and their big investment reflects the growing confidence on Score’s future.

The five companies are Tokuyama Ltd of Japan, which produces polycrystalline silicon, Asia Mineral Ltd of Hong Kong (silicon manganese), OM Holdings Ltd of Singapore (fero manganese) and Press Metal Bhd of Malaysia (aluminum ingots and billets) and Asia Advanced Material of Korea (metallic silicon).

MORE COMPANIES COMING IN

Pengurus perumahan di pangsapuri sewa

Posted on November 28, 2012, Wednesday

KUCHING: Kementerian Perumahan akan menempatkan pengurus perumahan secara sepenuh masa di setiap kawasan pangsapuri disewa di bawah Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) di negeri ini untuk menguruskan pangsapuri-pangsapuri tersebut.

Menterinya Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg berkata ia merupakan kaedah baharu yang diperkenalkan untuk menambah baik pendekatan sedia ada dalam pengurusan dan penyelenggaraan pangsapuri awam Perbadanan Pembangunan Perumahan Sarawak (PPPS) itu.

Jelas beliau, struktur baharu tersebut akan mengambil kira keperluan tenaga kerja teknikal dan pentadbiran serta penyelia blok yang mencukupi bagi memastikan proses pengurusan yang berkesan.

“Melalui kaedah pengurusan baharu ini, kita akan dapat memastikan kualiti penyelenggaraan dan tahap pengurusan pangsapuri awam dapat dipertingkatkan dengan lebih baik lagi,” katanya dalam sidang media selepas menyampaikan ucapan penggulungan kementeriannya pada Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) di sini, semalam.

Menurut Abang Johari, pengurus perumahan juga akan terdiri daripada individu yang berpengalaman dan mempunyai pengetahuan tentang pengurusan fasiliti iaitu kakitangan PPPS.

Tambah beliau, pelaksanaan kaedah tersebut juga tidak akan mempengaruhi kenaikan kadar sewa bulanan di mana ia akan kekal RM150 sebulan mengikut kadar sewa bulanan yang ditetapkan bagi Sarawak.

Sementara, bagi pembinaan projek pangsapuri baharu di bawah PPR pula, Abang Johari berkata kerajaan turut memperkenalkan konsep yang inovatif di mana pembinaannya akan melibatkan penyediaan kemudahan awam secara bersepadu seperti surau, tempat riadah, gelanggang permainan dan dewan serba guna.

Galeri: Press Conference on Problematic Developers in Sarawak

November 28, 2012

HOW ARE YOU?: Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg greeting Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen (right) in the media room before conducting a press conference yesterday. Also seen are his assistant ministers Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (left) and Datuk Francis Harden Hollis.

Abdul Kairm foresees scramble for PM post if PR wins coming polls

Posted on November 26, 2012, Monday

SIBU: There may be more than two ‘prime minister’ hopefuls should Pakatan Rakyat (PR) come to power after the general election as DAP strongman Lim Guan Eng will not want to be left out of the race.

When giving this view, PBB supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah warned that there would be a big scramble for the country’s number one post if PR had the upper hand.

“Unlike BN, PR is a loose coalition and there is no ‘head’ of PR to automatically become PM if they win the impending election.

“The likelihood of chaos cannot be discounted, where investors’ confidence and the business community are the ones most likely affected. To date, they are evasive as to who would become the premier in the event PR wins because among themselves, whether it is (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim, (Datuk Seri) Hadi (Awang) or Guan Eng, they are keen to vie for that post.

“Before that happens, it is better to put your vote on the present BN government that has proven visionary and brought continuous development to the people.

“BN has time and time proven to be capable in leading the country towards achieving higher level of development and growth besides being people and business friendly,” Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Youth Development, told The Borneo Post.

He conceded while there might be weaknesses BN was very sincere in making improvements.

Galeri: 2012 Siol X-Treme Mountain Bike

November 26, 2012

TAHNIAH: Datuk Fadillah Yusuf menyampaikan hadiah kepada Muhammad Nurjamri Johari dari Brunei yang menjuarai XC Lelaki Terbuka Kejohanan Siol X-Treme Mountain Bike 2012 di Kuching, semalam. Turut kelihatan ialah Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah dan Datuk Bandar Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU) Datuk Abang Wahap Abang Julai.

‘Seeking foreign observers for polls shows opposition’s desperation’

Posted on November 23, 2012, Friday

KUCHING: The opposition’s move to get a foreign country to observe Malaysia’s upcoming election has been branded as “desperate”.

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this in response to opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s attempt to get Australia to influence the election.

“How could someone stoop so low as to seek help from foreigners to meddle in our internal affairs? I hope Pakatan Rakyat supporters could see this and ask themselves that question,” he said yesterday.

He said it was ‘disgusting’ for anyone to beg another country to oversee the running and conduct of elections in Malaysia.

“That only reflects how desperate Anwar and PR are, in wanting to win the election. I wonder how Anwar can claim that elections in Malaysia are not free, when PRU12 (the last general election) saw PR winning many seats and even state governments which are testimonies of a free election.

“What Anwar did are the actions of one who has no love and loyalty to Malaysia,” added Abdul Karim, who is Assistant Minister of Housing.

Anwar is reported to have written to Australian Foreign Minister Senator Bob Carr to ask for help to ensure the next election, likely to be held early next year, is free of fraud and corruption.

Hadi as prime minister bad for S’wakians — Abdul Karim

November 21, 2012

SIBU: It would not augur well for Sarawakians if Pakatan Rakyat grabbed power in the impending general election and PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang was appointed prime minister.

Stating this yesterday, PBB supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this was because Hadi Awang had previously uttered a derogatory remark on Sarawakians.

“Isn’t this the chap who belittles the native of Sarawak as still backward, still pakai ‘cawat’ or loin clothes and don’t know how to vote?”

It was reported that Hadi gave that comment after the Batang Ai by-election in 2009 following the demise of Datuk Dublin Unting.

“All Sarawakians feel insulted with that derogatory remark till today. Hadi has not apologised or retracted his remark!

“And PAS expects Sarawakians to swallow their pride and accept him as PM? No way!” asserted Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Youth Development.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that Hadi Awang welcomed PAS delegates’ suggestion that he be made PM should Pakatan come into power.

Strong domestic demand to spur state’s economy

Posted on November 20, 2012, Tuesday

GOOD MORNING, SIR: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (left) is greeted by Assistant Rural

Development Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis (BN-Simanggang) upon his arrival for the first day of

the DUN sitting. Also seen in the background is Assistant Youth Development Minister Abdul Karim Rahman

Hamzah (BN-Asajaya).

KUCHING: Sarawak’s economy is projected to expand by five per cent in 2013.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the growth would be supported by stronger domestic demand generated by the dynamic economic activities of on-going projects in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) and projects under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).

“Our state economy is expected to record a favourable growth of 4.5 per cent this year,” he said when tabling the Sarawak Budget 2013 at State Legislative Assembly Complex yesterday.

Taib said the state government anticipated private investments to expand by 10.4 per cent next year, thanks to the progress made in the SCORE area as well as the Economic Transformation Programme.

“The strong growth in private investments for the first half of 2012 was also reflected in several key investment indicators.

“These include the importation of capital and intermediate goods that grew by 10.3 per cent and 19.4 per cent respectively for the period.”

Taib who is also the Finance Minister said the government would carry on putting in place the essential infrastructure facilities, improving public sector delivery and its on-going initiatives in attracting foreign and local investments.

Hadi is too arrogant to apologise for the 'cawat' remark -Karim

By NIGEL EDGAR
nigeledgar@thestar.com.my
Tuesday November 20, 2012

“Isn’t this the chap who belittled the natives of Sarawak as still backward, still wearing ‘cawat’ and don’t know how to vote? - Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah 

KUCHING: Some BN leaders cannot fathom how the man who said the Dayaks are still wearing “cawat” (loinclothes) wants to be the next prime minister.

The insulting remark by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang which was made in July 2010 was still fresh in their minds.

“To us Dayaks, this (Hadi to be PM) is looking down on us and very condescending. The Dayaks, even those in the Opposition I think, would know who not to support,” SPDP president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom told The Star yesterday.

On top of that, he said, PAS championing the implementation of the Hudud Law did not go down well with some non-Muslim communities and had caused some uneasiness even among the other Opposition leaders.

Mawan, who is also Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) president, urged the Dayak community, especially PR supporters, to think twice when casting their votes.

“We should see it coming. The Hudud Law would be implemented if Hadi becomes PM,” he said.

Hadi had angered Sarawak’s Iban community when he blamed PKR’s loss in the April 7, 2010 Batang Ai by-election to ignorant voters who did not know how to vote and “were still wearing loinclothes”.

Anwar ahli politik yang cuma bijak berkata-kata

Posted on November 4, 2012, Sunday

“Sekarang tiba-tiba jadi penyayang kepada Sarawak dan kerap datang. Semua ini adalah wayang kulit Anwar untuk mengaburi mata rakyat Sarawak agar menyokong dan mengangkat beliau ke Putrajaya.” - Yang Berhormat Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah  

KUCHING: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim disifatkan Ketua Setiausaha Politik Ketua Menteri Abdullah Saidol sebagai ahli politik yang cuma bijak berkata-kata.

Menurut Abdullah, Ketua Umum Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) itu tidak mempunyai niat untuk menolong rakyat, sekali gus beliau mengajak agar rakyat Sarawak tidak terpengaruh dengan janji-janji manis pembangkang.

“Saya tidak faham mengapa masih ada orang percaya dengan kata-kata pemimpin PKR yang hipokrit. Mengapa tidak ada yang bertanya tentang banyak janji-janji mereka yang tak tertunai di Selangor dan Pulau Pinang,” katanya yang diminta mengulas tentang lawatan Anwar ke Kanowit dan Kuching kelmarin dan semalam.

Anwar ketika berada di Kanowit berkata, beliau akan lebih kerap ke Sarawak jika pakatan pembangkang membentuk kerajaan menerusi Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-13 (PRU13) kelak.

Abdullah yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Semop turut mempersoalkan apa yang telah dilakukan Anwar ketika menjadi Timbalan Perdana Menteri.

“Apa yang dia pernah buat untuk Sarawak semasa dia menjadi Timbalan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Kewangan. Pemimpin seperti ini tiada keikhlasan untuk membantu tapi jaguh merapu,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata semua orang kenal dengan Anwar yang disifatkannya sebagai ‘Raja Pemberi Janji.’

Karim urges Indians to reach out to the needy

November 4, 2012

FOR YOU: Abdul Karim (right) presenting a gift pack to Palaiyee Ungamuthu. Also seen are (from right) Anthony, P Subuamanian and S Naniappen.

KUCHING: Assistant Minister for Youth Development, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is glad to see Kuching Indian Association members reaching out to the needy in conjunction with Deepavali, which will be celebrated on Nov 13.

He said it was laudable that the Indian community, despite its small population, had emulated their Malay and Chinese counterparts in helping the less fortunate during festive occasions.

“Although there are only about 10,000 Indians in the state, many have excelled in their undertakings and are leading successful careers,” he said before presenting goodies and cash to 35 individuals at the association’s hall here yesterday.

“I am happy to see that Indians have started offering assistance to the needy and the less fortunate on their festival.”

Each recipient was given rice, cooking oil, sugar, biscuits, instant noodles and RM50 cash.

Abdul Karim said there were people out there who needed help, and therefore it boiled down to every individual to play their role towards preserving social harmony.

Towards that end, he pledged a government grant of RM10,000 for the association to carry out its annual charity events.

Karim hits out PKR for thinking only they think about the rakyat

November 3, 2012

SIBU: The opposition has been labelled as ‘teaching a duck how to swim’ for urging the state government to give more priorities to rural folk in term of infrastructural facilities.

PBB supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the government had all along been doing this and continued to strengthen facilities in hinterlands.

Hitting out at PKR Bintulu branch chairman Paul Raja’s call for the government to be more sensitive to problems besieging rural communities, he said the PKR leader must have been blind.

“Or rather choose to be blind or he is just ignorance of what is going on around him. Telling the state government to be more sensitive to problems and difficulties faced by locals in basic infrastructure facilities is just like telling ‘ducks how to swim’.

“This is what the state government has been doing all this years! This is what has been the vision of the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud through his ‘Politic of Development’ advocated when he came to lead Sarawak from 1981,” he told The Borneo Post.

He was asked to respond to Raja’s comment that the ruling government gave less emphasis to basic infrastructure facilities such as electricity and water supplies and roads to allow the people to move about.

Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Youth Development, said Sarawak almost the size of Peninsula and hence, one did not expect the 5,000 or so villages in the state to suddenly be equipped with everything.

Wellbeing of Sarawakians taken care of — Abdul Karim

by Peter Boon, reporters@theborneopost.com. 

Posted on October 27, 2012, Saturday

SIBU: It is puzzling how PKR state vice-chairman See Chee How can urge the people to vote P R MPs into parliament in order to safeguard the state’s socio-economic wellbeing.

A PBB supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said yesterday the needs and wellbeing of Sarawakians had all along been well taken care of by BN, and there was no need for PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to show the way.

“I am unsure what See meant by asking people to vote PR MPs into parliament to safeguard and advance the politics and socio-economic wellbeing of the state.

“Are our political and socio-economic wellbeing not safely guarded and advanced now under BN? Do we need Anwar to do it for us? He (See) should look back into history. Anwar has no love for Sarawak,” Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Youth Development, told The Borneo Post.

He was reacting to See’s call for Sarawak voters to make a change to ensure a substantial number of PR MPs be voted into parliament this time, to safeguard and advance the political and socio-economic wellbeing of the state.

He opined that See and Baru Bian were just Anwar’s pawn to get to Putrajaya.

Anwar could have done wonders for Sarawak when he was then deputy prime minister and finance minister, “but did he do it?”

Nod for RM100 mln Samarahan bridge

by Jacob Achoi, reporters@theborneopost.com. 

Posted on October 25, 2012, Thursday

ASAJAYA: Some 70,000 people of Asajaya stand to benefit significantly when the proposed RM100 million Samarahan bridge materialises in about two years time.

Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said work on the project was expected to start next year, and that this development initiative, which would take two years to complete, would not only cut travelling time to the city by about 30 minutes but would also boost development in the area.

“Development in the area would be boosted, what with the Batang Sadong bridge also under construction and expected to be completed in 2016,” he told reporters after presenting land titles and compensations to about 180 people from Kampung Sambir at Asajaya Sports Complex recently.

Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Housing Minister and Assistant Minister of Youth Development, said the proposed Samarahan bridge was actually approved under the Eighth Malaysia Plan (8MP) but it had to be put on hold due to financial constraints and after weighing priority considerations.

“Even though it has not been officially announced by the higher authorities, we have received a very positive response that the bridge (at Samarahan) will start next year at a cost of RM100 million.”

‘Give prominence to Bahasa Malaysia’

October 25, 2012

LANGUAGE CAMP: Abdul Karim (second right) presents a certificate to one of the participants of the Language Camp 2012. Also seen are Asmiah (second left) and Dr Norazuna (right).

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Bahasa Malaysia will continue to be the uniting factor for all the races and ethnics in the state, said Assistant Minister of Youth Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the three-day Language Camp 2012 at National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) Sarawak Campus here yesterday, Abdul Karim, highlighted the need for the national language to be given prominence in the state.

“The unity and harmony that we are enjoying among the races and ethnics in the state must be preserved no matter what.

“Therefore, the usage of Bahasa Malaysia, which has been the fundamental element of unity all this while among our people, must be given priority in the state’s administration, education and communications,” the Asajaya assemblyman said.

Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Minister of Housing, said with the various balanced development programmes undertaken, the state government hoped that Sarawak would not be advanced only in politics, economics and social standards, but also in linguistics, literature and culture.

“With the smart partnership between the state government and federal government agencies such as Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Intan, the linguistic and correspondence fields in the state will improve further,” he added.

As a way to strengthen the use of the national language among government departments, Abdul Karim urged all government departments to give priority to the use of Bahasa Malaysia in their official events and daily correspondences.

Kampung tradisi di Asajaya pasti miliki surat hak milik tanah: Karim

Posted on October 24, 2012

ASAJAYA: Kampung-kampung tradisi di daerah ini akan dipastikan memiliki surat hak milik tanah masing-masing.

Menteri Muda Perumahan Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata meskipun pelaksanaannya memakan masa namun ia akan dijalankan dari semasa ke semasa.

“Kita akan terus memberikan geran hak milik kepada kampung-kampung tradisi yang belum memilikinya.

“Sekarang penyukatan sudah dilaksanakan di beberapa kampung tetapi agak memakan masa namun ia akan dijalankan secara berterusan,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui selepas menyempurnakan penyerahan surat hak milik tanah bahagian Samarahan di Kompleks Sukan Asajaya, di sini semalam.

Hadir sama ialah Penguasa Tanah dan Survei Bahagian Samarahan Rozlan Putit.

Pada majlis tersebut, sebanyak 224 surat hak milik tanah diserahkan kepada seramai 180 penerima yang merupakan penduduk Kampung Tradisi Sambir, di sini.

Jambatan pendekkan masa perjalanan penduduk: Karim

October 24, 2012

ASAJAYA: Penduduk di daerah ini dalam tempoh dua atau tiga tahun akan datang dijangka tidak lagi mengalami kesukaran menempuhi perjalanan yang lama untuk pergi ke bandar raya Kuching, sekiranya pembinaan Jambatan Samarahan direalisasikan tahun depan.

Menteri Muda Perumahan Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata walaupun belum lagi diumumkan secara rasmi oleh kerajaan, berita berkenaan projek tersebut adalah positif.

“Saya menjangkakan Jambatan Samarahan ini dapat dibina bermula tahun depan dengan tempoh pembinaan dijadualkan selama dua tahun.

“Dengan adanya jambatan tersebut nanti, ia akan memudahkan penduduk terutama dalam daerah Asajaya untuk pergi ke Kuching.

“Ia juga akan memendekkan tempoh perjalanan kepada setengah jam kerana sekarang memerlukan satu jam,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui selepas menyempurnakan Majlis Penyerahan Surat Hak Milik Tanah Bahagian Samarahan, di sini semalam.

Karim yang juga Menteri Muda Belia berkata anggaran kos pembinaan jambatan tersebut ialah RM100 juta dan dibiayai oleh kerajaan persekutuan.

27,697 kekosongan belum diisi ­tenaga kerja mahir

October 14, 2012

MIRI: Sarawak masih mengalami 67.8 peratus atau 27,697 kekosong-an yang belum diisi oleh tenaga kerja mahir dalam tiga sektor utama iaitu pembinaan, pembuatan dan pertanian serta perhutanan.

Menteri Muda Perumahan dan Pembangunan Belia Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, berdasarkan perangkaan jumlah tenaga kerja di Sarawak tahun lalu, terdapat sejumlah 1,042,400 pekerja meliputi semua sektor dan ini belum mencukupi untuk menampung keper-luan Koridor Tenaga Diperbaharui Sarawak (SCORE).

Beliau berkata, berdasarkan kajian Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), dianggarkan sebanyak 266,895 pekerjaan baharu bagi se-puluh sektor utama dan 667,238 pekerjaan baharu bagi kawasan SCORE akan wujud sehingga tahun 2030.

“Ini memerlukan tenaga kerja yang kompeten dalam bidang dan kategori berkaitan, justeru kerajaan mengambil berat akan keperluan negara untuk mengurangkan kebergantungan sektor pekerjaan kepada pekerja asing.

“Pekerja asing tidak mahir me-ningkat lebih dua kali ganda sejak tahun 2000 kepada 1.9 juta dan kebanjiran pekerja asing tidak mahir berkos rendah melambatkan pe-laburan dalam mekanisasi dan inovasi, terutama dalam sektor pertanian dan pembuatan,” katanya pada Majlis Konvokesyen Institusi Latihan Jabatan Tenaga Manusia (ILJTM) Wilayah Timur Ke-8 di Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) Miri, semalam.

Hadir sama Menteri Muda Pembangunan Perhubungan Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Ketua Pengarah JTM Kementerian Sumber Manusia Datuk Romli Hassan, Pengarah Pusat Teknologi Tinggi (ADTEC) Bintulu merangkap Pengerusi ILJTM Wilayah Timur Dr Ramli Rashidi dan Pengarah ILP Miri Mohd Faizal Tokeran.

Abdul Karim berkata, kerajaan mempunyai matlamat menyusun semula pasaran pekerjaan, menjadikan Malaysia negara berpendapatan tinggi melalui pengwujudan pasaran pekerjaan efisien untuk memba-ngun, menarik dan mengekalkan modal insan berkemahiran.

Atur program, aktiviti ikut kehendak, minat belia: Karim

October 9, 2012, Tuesday

KUCHING: Menteri Muda Belia Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah semalam menekankan kepada persatuan-persatuan belia negeri ini agar mengatur program serta aktiviti mengikut kehendak dan minat para belia secara menyeluruh.

Katanyanya ia adalah bagi menjaga dan memperbaiki kadar penglibatan para belia dalam setiap program dan aktiviti yang dijalankan dari semasa ke semasa.

“Kalau kita dapat menjangkau 30 hingga 40 peratus penglibatan belia terhadap program dan aktiviti yang dijalankan, mungkin boleh dianggap sebagai satu kejayaan kerana untuk mengubah masyarakat adalah susah.

“Sebab itu, kalau dapat kita harus mengatur program dan aktiviti mengikut apa yang mereka suka.

“Kalau sukan kita anjur sukan atau kalau keusahawanan kita anjur keusahawanan dan sebagainya,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap merasmikan Persidangan Persatuan Belia Negeri Sarawak 2012 di sini, kelmarin.

Hadir sama Pemangku Pengarah Jabatan Belia dan Sukan Sarawak Razali Mohamad.

Youth NGOs urged to reach out to youths

Posted on October 8, 2012, Monday

APPRECIATION: Abdul Karim (third right) receives a souvenir from Razali (second left) after

launching the Sarawak Youth Associations Conference 2012.

KUCHING: Youth non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the state have been urged to reach out to youths to understand their needs, hear out their opinions and provide a platform to fulfill their aspirations.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who made this call yesterday, highlighted the need for youth NGOs to keep in touch with the younger generation so that their activities and programmes could attract youths.

He said even though there were various programmes held by the government, which were good, there were instances where the programmes and activities did not meet the expectations of the youth, simply because the organisers had left out their requirements.

Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Minister of Housing said youth movements were very close to his heart because he had been actively involved in youth movements, be it political or non-political movements.

“It is only through my involvement in such movements that I am able to see the problems on the ground. As every organisation has differences in needs and opinions, I hope this conference will provide a platform for all youth NGOs to voice out your needs and opinions to be brought up to the higher level,” Abdul Karim said when launching the one-day Sarawak Youth Associations Conference 2012 at Merdeka Palace Hotels and Suites here yesterday.

Also present during the launching of the conference were permanent secretary to the Ministry of Social Development, Affandi Keli and acting director of state Youth and Sports Department, Razali Mohamad.

The Asajaya assemblyman said the state government had always been committed in looking after the interests of the youths and in encouraging them to be actively involved in youth organisations.

Strong winds, heavy rain spoil outdoor solidarity programme at Kpg Bangka

Posted on October 8, 2012, Monday

TIME TO PACK UP: Organising committee members rush to keep speakers, standing fans 

and other electrical items from the rain.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Almost 30 minutes of heavy rain and strong winds threatened to soak all those attending an outdoor neighbourhood solidarity programme at Kpg Bangka in Semong near here yesterday.

Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, representing Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan, cut short his speech as part of the crowd ran for shelter at the nearby multipurpose hall.

The organising committee members rushed to ensure that speakers, sound system, electrical wiring and standing fans did not get wet.

Staff of Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) participating in the programme packed up as their tent collapsed.

“Do not worry about the rain. We should see this as a blessing. Funny how the rain only decide to fall when it is my turn to deliver a speech,” joked Karim, who is also Assistant Youth Development Minister, at the closing of the two-day ‘Program Jiran Sepakat’ organised by the village Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT).

The two-day ‘Jiran Sepakat’ programme was participated by some 13 nearby villager.

Present among the 150 crowd were Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo, state National Civics Bureau director Roslan Baharuddin and Kpg Bangka KRT chief Awang Junaidi Awang Chik who is the organising chairman.

KUBSB diseru komited majukan ahli

October 8, 2012

RASMI: Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (tiga kanan) menyaksikan persembahan silat pada perasmian Karnival Gegar Samarahan di ruang parkir Desa Ilmu kelmarin. Turut kelihatan Aini (kanan) dan Razemi (empat kanan).

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Koperasi Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak Berhad (KUBSB) di sini diseru agar terus komited memajukan ahli-ahlinya yang terdiri daripada kalangan usahawan kecil dan sederhana.

Perkara itu ditegaskan Menteri Muda Perumahan Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah pada majlis perasmian Karnival Gegar Samarahan 2012 anjuran KUBSB dengan kerjasama Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS) Cawangan Samarahan di sini malam kelmarin.

Karim memberitahu bahawa beliau amat yakin kemampuan KUBSB untuk memajukan dan mentransformasikan ahli-ahlinya menjadi usahawan berjaya suatu masa kelak.

“Walaupun baharu dua tahun ditubuhkan di bahagian Samarahan, tetapi mereka bijak mengurus perjalanan ahli-ahlinya yang terdiri daripada usahawan-usahawan kecil.

“Jadi harapan saya adalah untuk melihat mereka ini nanti terus berkembang di seluruh negeri kerana saya tahu KUBSB Samarahan komited menjaga ahli-ahlinya dengan penganjuran pelbagai aktiviti untuk mereka,” katanya.

Beliau yang juga Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) dan Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Asajaya mencadangkan agar KUBSB terus mengadakan aktiviti secara bergerak dari satu lokasi ke satu lokasi bagi mempromosikan perniagaan mereka.

“Pasar malam memang popular jadi KUBSB harus mengadakan aktiviti sekurang-kurangnya seminggu sekali mungkin satu hari di sini, kemudiannya di Matang, Taman Sukma, Satok dan sebagainya.

SK Tabuan victorious in Sarawak Cricket Association Kanga Cricket Sixes

October 8, 2012

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: Karim (fifth left) pose with the winners and competition officials.

KUCHING: Rising cricket star Mohd Khairul Azmi of SK Tabuan was named the Best Bowler of SCA Kanga Cricket Sixes championship last Friday. 

Playing for the host school, he was the x-factor for his team. 

SK Tabuan played five days of continuous cricket, which saw SK Tabuan A emerged champion of SCA Kanga Cricket Sixes, defeating SK Gita 2 by one wicket. 14 schools participated in the competition.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who attended the competition’s closing ceremony commented that the organising of the tournament was a good effort by Sarawak Cricket Association (SCA) together with Kuching District Education Department to identify new talents and to prepare for the MSSM Inter-State meet next year.

Sarawak sedia wujudkan Majlis Perundingan Belia negeri

October 7, 2012

ABDUL Karim Rahman Hamzah (tengah) menyampaikan cek bernilai RM5,000 kepada wakil Saberkas sambil diperhatikan oleh Razali Mohamad (dua dari kiri) dalam Majlis Persidangan Persatuan Belia Sarawak 2012, di Kuching, semalam.

KUCHING - Sarawak bersedia mewujudkan Majlis Perundingan Belia (MPB) negeri sebagai platform memantapkan rangkaian kerjasama menerajui cabaran pembangunan kepimpinan belia.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia negeri, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, MPB merupakan pentas terbaik untuk golongan belia menyuarakan idea, pendapat dan pendirian atas pelbagai isu pembangunan negara serta antarabangsa.

Katanya, rancangan tersebut masih dalam peringkat perbincangan antara Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial (KPS) negeri dengan Kementerian Belia dan Sukan.

"Setakat ini, kita masih memperhalusi cadangan mewujudkan MPB di negeri ini memandangkan Sarawak masih belum memiliki badan tersebut.

"Kita yakin rancangan ini dapat direalisasikan dalam tempoh terdekat sekali gus meningkatkan kepercayaan belia terhadap hasrat kerajaan untuk membangunkan hala tuju belia negeri," katanya kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan Persidangan Persatuan Belia Sarawak 2012 di sini hari ini.

Yang hadir sama Pemangku Pengarah Jabatan Belia dan Sukan negeri, Razali Mohamad.

Kira-kira 100 peserta daripada pelbagai persatuan belia negeri ini mengambil bahagian dalam persidangan tersebut.
  

Galeri: Kejo­hanan Bawah 11 tahun SCA ‘Kanga Cricket Sixes’

October 6, 2012

BERJAYA: Abdul Karim dan Awang Mahyan dan para tetamu bersama pemenang kejohanan

kriket di Kuching semalam.

Pelajar cemerlang mudah ke universiti, sektor kerja

October 6, 2012

TAHNIAH: Karim (tengah barisan belakang) merakamkan kenangan bersama para pemenang Kejohanan Under 11 SCA Kanga Cricket Sixes semalam.

KUCHING: Pelajar perlu sedar bahawa kecemerlangan dalam akademik dan kokurikulum penting memudahkan kemasukan ke universiti mahupun sektor pekerjaan.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, untuk menjadi seorang pelajar cemerlang yang berkebolehan, pelajar harus menunjukkan prestasi yang baik dalam kedua-dua bidang iaitu akademik dan kokurikulum.

“Tanggungjawab kita di sekolah ialah menjadi pelajar yang baik dalam prestasi akademik dan kokurikulum kerana kita tahu apabila sudah menjadi pelajar berkebolehan ia memberi kelayakan kepada diri kita untuk memasuki universiti atau mencari kerja pada masa hadapan,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada Majlis Penyampaian Hadiah Kejohanan Under 11 SCA Kanga Cricket Sixes di Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tabuan di sini semalam.

Karim yang juga Menteri Muda Perumahan berkata, kecemerlangan dalam kedua-dua bidang itu akan menjadi sandaran oleh majikan atau univerisiti terhadap prestasi pelajar.

Pada masa sama, beliau memberitahu sukan kriket semakin pesat membangun di negeri ini sekali gus memberi peluang baharu kepada pelajar mahupun belia untuk menjadikan sukan itu sebagai satu kerjaya baharu.

“Saya melihat sukan ini semakin popular dalam kalangan rakyat Sarawak malah hari ini (semalam) kita menyaksikan sebanyak 16 sekolah menyertai kejohanan ini. Syabas saya ucapkan kepada Persatuan Kriket Sarawak (SCA) yang berjaya mengembangkan sukan ini,” katanya lagi.

Extra co-curricular activities important, pupils told

October 6, 2012

THE CHAMPIONS: The winning team from SK Tabuan (front row) posing for a group photo after the cricket finals with Abdul Karim (second row, fourth right), Awang Mahyan (second row, fifth right), Aluyah (second row, third right) and other guests.

KUCHING: School children should not only study hard but be active in extra co-curricular activities as well.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said they should not only focus on achieving academic excellence.

“They should be active in sports and other activities that can prepare them for future challenges,” he said at the closing of Kanga Under-11 cricket finals at SK Tabuan yesterday.

Opposition masters of empty promises – Abdul Karim

Posted on October 2, 2012, Tuesday

SIBU: The electorate should not be hoodwinked by the empty promises made by the opposition in the run-up to the 13th general election, advised Assistant Minister of Youth Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yesterday.

He also noted that the opposition had intensified their efforts to run down the government in recent years.

“The opposition has been using the tactic of condemning the BN government, instigating the people, and making empty sky-high promises since 2008.

“And the intensity has increased the last two years. One can see and hear all this condemning, instigating or sweet promises when one goes to a Pakatan Rakyat rally.

“Nothing done by the BN government is seen as right by them (the opposition). Everything is wrong,” Abdul Karim told The Borneo Post.

Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim said this when asked to comment on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s call for Malaysians to be wary of the opposition’s three main ‘weapons’ – condemning, instigating and making all sorts of promises in trying to woo the people.

Najib urged the people to ponder the sweet promises made by Pakatan.

Sarawak needs more allocation for sports from Budget 2013

September 30, 2012

"Sarawak which is still in dire need of much development fund must be given what is due." -Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

KUCHING: State Assistant Minister of Sports Datuk Lee Kim Shin hopes that the federal government will give reasonable amount of allocation from the 2013 Budget to help development of sports in Sarawak.

He pointed out that Sarawak have produced among the best athletes in the country. Lee hence insists that sports development in the state must be given serious consideration.

“The 2013 Budget shows that our government acknowledged the importance of sports in the country. They really want sports to grow vigorously,” Lee said.

Lee also hoped that the budget will help the state in building more sports facilities and infrastructures in the state.

“Sarawak must be on par with other the states when it comes to sports facilities.”

Meanwhile Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Housing Abdul Karim Hamzah pointed out that Sarawak is the biggest state in Malaysia hence the need for more allocation from the budget from the federal government.

In turn it will also good for Malaysia as Sarawak has proven to be one of the states that produce world class athletes for the country.

Galeri: A Dialog With Bloggers

September 28, 2012



RARE OPPORTUNITY: Taib (seated centre) is seen with the youths during a photo call after the dialogue. Seated from left are Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, event organising chairman Datuk Patrick Liew, Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi and Datu Aloysius Dris.

Samarahan pilihan juara Piala Sarawak 2012

September 28, 2012

UNTUK PBBS: Abdul Karim (tiga kiri) menyampaikan sumbangan kepada Haidel sambil diperhatikan oleh Aidel (dua kiri).

KUCHING: Dua puluh lima pemain bola sepak Samarahan bakal menggalas cabaran getir dalam misi menjulang Piala Sarawak 2012 apabila kejohanan berprestij tersebut bermula Isnin depan di Miri.

Pasukan yang dibimbing oleh Awang Jobli Awang Bidin dan dibantu bekas pe­main Sarawak Ideris Untong pastinya mahu mengulangi kejayaan yang pernah dicapai pada 2008.

Presiden Persatuan Bola Sepak Bahagian Samarahan (PBBS), Haidel Heli berkata pasukannya lebih mantap kali ini dengan dibarisi hampir separuh muka-muka baru yang dipilih dari beberapa bahagian negeri.

“Saya meletakkan harapan yang tinggi terhadap pasukan ini untuk muncul juara Piala Sarawak 2012 dan ia pasti ter­capai sekiranya semua pemain memberikan komitmen serta persembahan yang berkuali­ti,” katanya.

“Kita telah mengharungi banyak latihan intensif serta beberapa siri perlawanan persahabatan untuk meman­tapkan pasukan. Justeru, tidak mustahil Samarahan muncul juara pada edisi kali ini.”

Beliau berkata demikian semasa majlis makan malam bersama pasukan yang turut dihadiri oleh Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, ADUN Sadong Jaya, Aidel Lariwoo, Residen Bahagian Samarahan Ismail Hasni, Kapten Kelab Golf Sarawak (KGS) Abdul Jalil Abdul Rah­man dan Timbalan Presiden PBBS Ismawi Muhammad kelmarin.

Menurutnya lagi, Samara­han adalah pasukan pilihan untuk muncul setelah kehad­iran semula jurulatih Awang Jobli yang pernah membawa pasukan tersebut menjadi juara pada edisi 2008.

Galeri: Launching of ouryouth.my portal

September 27, 2012

FOR THE NEW GENERATION: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud launches the ouryouth.my portal on Tuesday. Also seen is Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) and Sarawak Marathon Association (SMA) president Dato Patrick Liew (right) and state Assistant Minister of Youth and Housing Abdul Karim Hamzah (second left). — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi

ouryouth.my

SUPP can count on BN partners for support, says Abdul Karim

September 26, 2012

SIBU: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) can count on its BN coalition partners for support as they are always there to help, says a PBB supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said they were not there to bring down the party but to strengthen the coalition.

“BN component parties are always there to help and not to destroy you,” he said in response to a claim that several SUPP central committee (CC) members had moved a motion to review the party’s membership in the state BN.

The source was quoted as saying that the motion was moved because many members felt that SUPP was not respected as a state BN component party.

The party insider also claimed that it made no difference whether they were with BN or outside BN since they had not been fairly treated.

Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman and Assistant Minister of Youth Development, said: “If there is any party that you need to blame for your misery…it is DAP and other opposition parties”.

He reckoned playing the ‘blame game’ would not bring the party anywhere nor would it influence the swing of Chinese voters to their side.

Town to see more progress

September 19, 2012

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The predominantly Bumiputra-populated Kota Samarahan will see more development in the near future.

Assistant Youth and Housing Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said looking at the rapid development of the town, particularly Taman Desa Ilmu with its rising population, the state government would look into further developing the area.

“This (Taman Desa Ilmu) being an education hub, there will be a lot of students here also with various needs.

“That is why businesses, population and other economic activities here are booming, which in turn improves the socio-economic status of this place, which once were only pockets of small and remote villages,” said Karim during a Hari Raya celebration organised by Taman Desa Ilmu Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and Sarawak Bumiputra Chamber of Commerce (DUBS) Kota Samarahan branch on Monday.

With this in mind, Karim said in his capacity as an assistant minister, he would forward to the government the current needs of Taman Desa Ilmu folk, namely a multi-purpose hall, a police station and a futsal court there.

The proposal was highlighted by Taman Desa Ilmu JKKK chairman and the event’s organising chairman Abang Ideris Abang Jemali earlier in his welcoming speech.

Ideris said there was a need to build a multi-purpose hall to hold events such as the Raya celebration itself, which was held in the parking lot of a shoplot.

‘Don’t stir up East vs Semenanjung sentiments’

Posted on September 19, 2012, Wednesday

PR leaders should ‘grow up’ and learn to appreciate that without Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah would not have developed into what they were today.

SIBU: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) should not sow the seed of discontent, ‘fertilising’ it through the Kuching Declaration that could stir up sentiments of ‘East vs Semenanjung’, said SUPP Sibu vice-chairman Daniel Ngieng.

Warning them of the impending backlash through their pursuit of such political gimmick, he stressed that national solidarity and goodwill must be built on understanding and mutual respect.

“Why the Kuching Declaration now? They want to stir up sentiments of ‘East vs Semenanjung’, and thereafter hope to ride on it to derail BN support in the two states.

“You see, national solidarity and goodwill must be built on understanding and mutual respect,” he said in response to PR’s claim to champion the rights of Sarawak and Sabah.

Last Sunday, national and state leaders of PR signed the Kuching Declaration, pledging to restore Sarawak and Sabah as equal partners of Peninsular Malaysia if they (PR) form the next government.

The declaration which contained seven articles was signed by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian, Sarawak DAP chairman Wong Ho Leng and PAS Sarawak commissioner Adam Ahid.

The articles include equal partners (restoring autonomy to Sarawak and Sabah within the framework of the Federal Constitution).

Ngieng responded: “We here enjoy autonomous rights like immigration which BN upholds. Both PAS and DAP leaders have criticised it and called for abolition of our state rights.”

It was ironic how now PR issued the Kuching Declaration with one singing this and promising that.

It was just opportunistic on the part of the opposition, Ngieng commented.

He asked: “Could you trust someone like Anwar to defend your rights?”

When contacted, Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said: “PR should not have sown the seed of discontent on the day we celebrate our state’s independence and on the day we celebrate Malaysia Day.