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.