Abg Jo: PAS candidates laughable as ‘unknowns’ in constituency

April 30, 2013

Abang Ahmad Kerdee hails from Spaoh (Betong) and does not even live in the state.

-Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has advised people not to take seriously all candidates fielded by PAS in the state this general election.

The Housing Minister yesterday said PAS appeared to have not done their homework in the constituencies, judging from the candidates that the Islamic-based party had fielded to face Barisan Nasional.

Based on the issues raised in the respective areas, most of the candidates seem outdated or are not fully aware of the update and efforts taken by the government to resolve the matters.

Citing one of the seats that PAS contested, Abang Johari said the candidate is a non-local who does not frequent that constituency to meet with the people. He mentioned that locals do not even recognise or know the candidate prior to the person’s nomination.

“They can’t even field the right candidate. Most of PAS candidates do not even know the background and needs of their respective constituents. It appears that they did not do their homework in these constituencies.

“Even if the candidate is an outsider, this would be fine if the person knows the situation or background of the constituency and its constituents. Otherwise, they would just become a laughing stock,” Abang Johari told reporters after officiating at the earth-breaking ceremony for Taman Sri Tuang Phase III affordable housing project near here yesterday.

Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in his speech earlier, cited PAS Kota Samarahan candidate Abang Ahmad Kerdee Abang Masagus an example of a non-local contesting in a constituency that the candidate rarely visited.

Perubahan pesat hasil usaha kerajaan BN

April 30, 2013

ASAJAYA: Perubahan persekitaran hasil kepesatan pembangunan yang dibawa oleh kerajaan pimpinan Barisan Nasional (BN) ketika ini tidak seharusnya diperdebatkan lagi. 

Justeru, dalam konteks yang sama masyarakat sudah boleh menilai sendiri betapa besar sumbangan yang diberikan oleh kerajaan, sekali gus sedar akan kemasukan pelbagai isu yang dibawa pihak pembangkang semata-mata mahu mengelirukan fikiran mereka.

Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) N.14 Asajaya, Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah mengingatkan kepada masyarakat madani hari ini bahawa transformasi dilalui negara dengan kepesatan pembangunan segenap ceruk rantau adalah hasil kebijaksanaan pemerintahan kerajaan (BN) selama ini.

“Tidak perlu dipersoalkan lagi ketika ini dan tiada kerajaan lain yang mampu memimpin serta memberi selain menyedikan kemudahan untuk pembangunan setempat negeri ini selain Barisan Nasional (BN). 

“Oleh yang demikian, adapun isu yang cuba diselitkan pihak pembangkang ketika ini semata-mata mahu meraih simpati dalam usaha mereka memecahbelahkan perpaduan yang telah lama terbentuk,” katanya ketika berucap pada Majlis Penutupan Kejohanan Bola Sepak Juara-Juara Piala Eastdeal Samarahan 2013 di Kampung Sambir, Asajaya semalam.

Hadir sama pada majlis tersebut Timbalan Presiden Persatuan Bola Sepak Sarawak (FAS), Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Setiausaha Agung FAS, Abdullah Julaihi, Presiden dan Timbalan Presiden Persatuan Bola sepak Bahagian Kuching (PBBS), Ir Haidel Heli dan Ir Haji Ismawi Muhammad, Pemangku Pegawai Daerah Asajaya, Zulkifli Yusuf, Setiausaha Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Cawangan N.14 Asajaya, Encik Buang Bolhassan, Haji Mohd. Iskana Bujang, Abang Ideris Abang Haji Jamali serta ketuaketua masyarakat mewakili kampung sekitar kawasan terbabit. 

Team Boss julang Piala Eastdeal Samarahan

April 30, 2013

RAI KEJUARAAN: Abdullah, Zulkifli, Abdul Karim dan Haidel bersama-sama 

dengan penduduk Kampung Sambir meraikan kemenangan Team Boss di 

Kampung Sambir, Ahad lalu.

KUCHING: Pasukan handalan dari Sambir, Team Boss menjulang Piala Eastdeal Samarahan 2013 selepas menundukkan wakil dari Serian, KBLH Gedong dengan 1-0 pada perlawanan akhir di Padang Bola Sepak Kampung Sambir, Asajaya kelmarin (Ahad).

Gol pasukan tuan rumah dijaringkan oleh penjaring terbanyak kejohanan, Yusri Hafizan Wahap pada minit ke-35 pada separuh masa kedua.

Kejayaan itu memastikan skuad bimbingan Jalek Japar meraih hadiah lumayan wang tunai berjumlah RM3,000 berserta piala dan pingat.

Manakala KBLH Gedong yang turut menampilkan aksi cemerlang pada saingan suku dan separuh akhir menerima RM1,500 berserta piala dan pingat.

Tempat ketiga pula milik KPRS Empila setelah mereka berjaya menewaskan Kanda FC dengan 2-0.

Empila membawa pulang RM750, piala dan pingat manakala Kanda FC meraih RM400, piala dan pingat.

“Syabas kepada semua pemain kerana telah menunjukkan dedikasi serta komitmen tinggi sepanjang saingan untuk muncul juara,” kata Jalek ditemui selepas perlawanan.

Galeri: Majlis Pecah Tanah Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Taman Sri Tuang

April 30, 2013

RUMAH UNTUK RAKYAT ... Datuk Amar Abang Haji Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg (tengah) bersama Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Dato’ Seri Haji Mohd Ali Mahmud, Rubiah Haji Wang dan Datuk Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen melihat model rumah selepas Majlis Pecah Tanah Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Taman Sri Tuang, Asajaya, semalam

QUALITY HOMES: Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg (centre) admiring the model of an affordable housing unit at Taman Sri Tuang phase III project. Also seen are (from left) Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Rubiah Wang and Dato' Seri Haji Mohd Ali Mahmud (right). Borneo Post

Sambir kalahkan Serian untuk julang Piala Eastdeal Samarahan

April 30, 2013

RAI KEJUARAAN: Abdullah, Zulkifli, Abdul Karim dan Haidel bersama-sama dengan penduduk Kampung Sambir meraikan kemenangan Team Boss di Kampung Sambir, Ahad lalu.

KUCHING: Pasukan handalan dari Sambir, Team Boss menjulang Piala Eastdeal Samarahan 2013 selepas menundukkan wakil dari Serian, KBLH Gedong dengan 1-0 pada perlawanan akhir di Padang Bola Sepak Kampung Sambir, Asajaya kelmarin (Ahad).

Gol pasukan tuan rumah dijaringkan oleh penjaring terbanyak kejohanan, Yusri Hafizan Wahap pada minit ke-35 pada separuh masa kedua.

Kejayaan itu memastikan skuad bimbingan Jalek Japar meraih hadiah lumayan wang tunai berjumlah RM3,000 berserta piala dan pingat.

Manakala KBLH Gedong yang turut menampilkan aksi cemerlang pada saingan suku dan separuh akhir menerima RM1,500 berserta piala dan pingat.

Tempat ketiga pula milik KPRS Empila setelah mereka berjaya menewaskan Kanda FC dengan 2-0.

Empila membawa pulang RM750, piala dan pingat manakala Kanda FC meraih RM400, piala dan pingat.

“Syabas kepada semua pemain kerana telah menunjukkan dedikasi serta komitmen tinggi sepanjang saingan untuk muncul juara,” kata Jalek ditemui selepas perlawanan.

BN leaders scoff at at toll-free highway

April 28, 2013

“They claim to advocate transparency against abuse of power and others. When DAP Supreme Council election was rigged, none of the DAP Adun (elected representatives) spoke up. Why are all of them silent? Isn’t transparency one of the matters in their agenda?” 

- Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

SIBU: Several state BN leaders have called Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) bluff over a towering promise it made to build a toll-free Pan Borneo highway, calling the promise bewildering, especially since PR is still grappling with unresolved issues in the states under its administration.

The BN leaders said it was clear the opposition pact’s intention was just to fish for votes, knowing very well they will not be able to fulfill the promise like all the other things in their long list of unfulfilled promises.

“What have they done in Penang, Selangor, Kedah and Kelantan? Highway rakyat announced by Kelantan, what happened to it?

“Just look at Permatang Pauh, have they resolved the flooding issue over there? What about the traffic congestion in Penang?

“If I were to name them, there will be a long list of issues not resolved. Penang is only the size of Kuching yet he (Lim Guan Eng) can’t manage it well, including the decline in foreign direct investments (FDI),” state BN youth chief Datuk Fadillah Yusof said.

To PBB supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, PR was very good at making promises and dangling ‘carrots’ to entice voters as proven during the last general election when many fell for their trap.

“Many promises were made in Selangor and Penang and what do we see now? Only 15 per cent of those promises were fulfilled.

“Now, they want to do the same thing in Sarawak. So far, we have seen several PR members elected into Sarawak DUN. What did they promise the people before they got elected?

“They claim to advocate transparency against abuse of power and others. When DAP Supreme Council election was rigged, none of the DAP Adun (elected representatives) spoke up.

“Why are all of them silent? Isn’t transparency one of the matters in their agenda?” asked Abdul Karim, who is Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya assemblyman.

We don’t ignore rights of minorities — Karim

April 27, 2013, Saturday

SIBU: Malaysia is formed on a platform of equality and freedom, thus the feelings of the minority, their culture and belief should not be ignored, said PBB supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He was reacting to PAS deputy spiritual leader Datuk Dr Haron Din’s statement that Hudud laws would be implemented if Pakatan Rakyat (PR) ruled the country.

“PAS is a party formed by Islamic fundamentalists to change Malaysian political system to ‘their’ type of Islamic government based on their type of Islamic Laws and using ‘Hudud Laws’ as their mode of enforcing their laws.

“In a multi-religious and multi-racial society like Malaysia, it is unwise to force its citizens to adopt one’s religious belief or have a set of laws based on one’s religious belief and force it onto others,” Abdul Karim, who is Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya assemblyman, said yesterday.

Dr Haron had reportedly said there would not be much problem with DAP accepting the Hudud law, judging from their willingness to contest under PAS symbol.

Karim, however, believed otherwise, given the differences in their ideologies.

“How DAP is willing to put aside their principle and embrace PAS and likewise, how PAS is willing to embrace DAP when their ideology and belief are wide apart is beyond my imagination,” he said.

GE13: Candidates may change but BN policies remain, says Taib

April 24, 2013

“To the women voters, you'd better vote for her (Rubiah) because she will represent you in Parliament. It is not easy to look for women candidates who are willing to spend most of their time serving the people." - Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud talking to reporters at Dewan Masyarakat

Kampung Baru at Samarahan yesterday.

KUCHING: Barisan Nasional candidates may change, but development still takes place in a constituency because the person elected is from the government of the day, said Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

He said that although Barisan candidates come and go in Kota Samarahan, the coalition's struggle for the people remains the same.

“As long as the person contests the election with the consent from Barisan and wins using its logo, Barisan's policies remain,” he said at an event in Kampung Baru in Samarahan.

In line with this, he urged all Barisan supporters to accept any change of candidate made by the party's top leadership.

“Whoever represents Barisan and wins with the Barisan logo will still bring changes to the area based on Barisan's struggle,” he said.

Taib, who is state Barisan chairman and PBB president, said that when he wanted to change the candidate of certain areas, he would train the person first. He said this was to ensure that he or she would continue with Barisan's struggle and agenda for the people.

Earlier, Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah called on voters in Kota Samarahan to give their full support to Barisan's candidate Rubiah Wang.

Karim prouds of developments in Kota Samarahan

April 24, 2013

DOWN MEMORY LANE … Kota Samarahan BN candidate Rubiah Wang (third right) and several community

leaders in the area present a souvenir to Chief Minister Pehin Sri Taib Mahmud while Assistant Minister of 

Housing Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (left) looks on.

KUCHING: The Barisan Nasional (BN) government has the responsibility to bring changes and development to the people, and that is what it has done all this while, said Assistant Minister of Youth Development Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“I am proud to say that changes and development can be seen all over the state and almost every village in this area had been provided with basic amenities such as roads, electricity and clean water supply.

“This proves that BN takes great effort in ensuring that the people have what is needed to live a comfortable life,” said Karim at the ‘Leaders-with-People’ session at Kampung Baru, in Samarahan where Chief Minister Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, his wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib and BN candidate for Kota Samarahan Rubiah Wang met the villagers.

Karim said the BN government was attentive towards the needs of the people, especially those living in the rural areas.

“The government has placed emphasis on education, and it can be seen in almost every school where majority of the students are able to achieve good results in their examinations.

“Because of that, more students are able to further their studies to universities,” he said.

He pointed out that the BN has provided good facilities and proper education to help students so that when they graduated, they would be able to help their families and contribute to nation-building.

GE13: Shame on EC official for making BN candidate change shirt -Karim

Monday April 22, 2013

KUCHING: A lawyer assemblyman is angered and puzzled by the actions of an Election Commission (EC) official in Hulu Rajang which he claims has “humiliated” Barisan Nasional candidate Wilson Ugak Kumbong during nomination day.

Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim Hamzah said Ugak and his nominating team were asked by returning officer Joseph Indi to change their Barisan shirts into something without any logo, whereas other nomination centres across the state had no problem with candidates wearing their party’s emblems on theirs.

“I am very puzzled as to why the EC officials in Hulu Rajang had asked of this from Ugak as well as his proposer, Belaga assemblyman Liwan Lagang, and seconder, PRS Youth chief Baleh Bakat Gira. What made it more humiliating was that the same wasn’t required of another party candidate who submitted his nomination paper at the same centre while wearing a shirt that bore the party’s symbol,” Karim lamented.

He said he was unsure whether the EC official was deliberately doing what he did due to personal reasons but stressed that such action was definitely wrong.

“The EC should ensure that their returning officers know the do’s and don’ts first. From my understanding of the Election Laws, party insignias or symbols are not allowed to be worn by supporters during polling. The EC officers must know the simple definition and difference between polling and nomination day,” he said, adding that if Joseph and others did not even distinguish the definition, they should relinquish their posts from the commission.

“He (Joseph) must have been too lazy to read up the Election Laws and Procedures. It is an embarrassment to Barisan and also to the EC, as it may hint that some EC officials are not impartial in their course of duty,” he said.

In the said incident on Saturday, Ugak, who arrived at 8.30am had to wait 20 minutes for his shirt replacement to arrive, and in the end Liwan just borrowed one belonging to one of their supporters.

Women show strong support to Rubiah as BN candidate

April 22, 2013, Monday

ENTHUSIASTIC: Rubiah poses with BN supporters at the Kota Samarahan Civic Centre.
Among them are Shahrizat (fifth right), Fatimah (fourth left), Mohd Ali (third right) and
Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (third left). — Photos By Jeffery Mostapa

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Womenfolk made their presence strongly felt on nomination day for the Kota Samarahan seat Saturday.

As expected, it is a straight fight between Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu – Barisan Nasional’s (PBB/BN) Rubiah Wang and PAS’s Abang Ahmad Kerdee Abang Masagus for this semi-rural constituency of mostly Malay voters.

First-time candidate Rubiah was accompanied by Wanita BN chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and PBB Women deputy chief Datuk Fatimah Abdullah who is also state minister for Welfare, Women and Family Development.

Also on hand to lend support were Muara Tuang assemblyman Dato Sri Mohd Ali Mahmud, Asajaya assemblyman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and a 1,000 strong contingent of blue-shirt supporters carrying PBB and BN flags.

Many arrived as early as 8am on chartered buses and had earlier gathered at Masjid Darul Taqwa about half a kilometre from the Kota Samarahan Civic Centre which was the official nomination centre.

Meanwhile, Abang Ahmad Kerdee was accompanied by a smaller group of 100 green-clad supporters carrying banners, flags and signs.

Rubiah and Abang Ahmad Kerdee arrived at the nomination centre at 9am on the dot, accompanied by their respective supporters who waited more than an hour outside the civic centre for their candidates to be confirmed.

Galeri: GE 13 Nomination Day - Kota Samarahan

April 21, 2013

DATO Sri Mohd Ali Mahmud (centre), Haji Karim Hamzah (second left)
and other PBB members giving Rubiah Wang (third right) the moral support
during nomination yesterday. PHOTO: RAMIDI SUBARI

PRESS STATEMENT: Chong has nothing to do except stupid publicity stunt

Press Statement Apr 16, 2013

I wish to comment on YB Chong's (Chieng Jen) intention to send a 'retirement cake' to Chief Minister today: 

'YB Chong has got nothing else better to do but create a stupid publicity stunt which I deem as despicable and stupid. 

Where did he get today's date as our Chief Minister's retirement date? 

Who is he to set the date and destiny of our Chief Minister and the State? 

Our Chief Minister has the full mandate from the Rakyat in the 2011 State Election where BN won more than two third majority. 

Who is YB Chong and DAP  who lost in the State Election to decide and determine who should lead Sarawak?

The people of Sarawak have spoken out loud and clear in 2011 on who and what party they wanted to lead Sarawak - i.e. Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and BN. 

YB Chong should not waste his time and moneys to do this publicity stunt. 

We know the GE is just round the corner and YB Chong needs all the publicity. 

It is better for him and other fellow DAP and PKR YBs to show the Rakyat what they, as Opposition YBs, have achieved to date for Sarawak or their constituencies? 

Surely the Rakyat don't want to see Wakil Rakyats who talk and do stupid things! 

TQ. YB Karim

p/s The press statement has been sent to The Star and Borneo Post reporters today via SMS.

A big garbage truck awaits Pakatan on May 5 -Karim

April 16, 2013, Tuesday

‘Pakatan’, as a loose pact, each component party (PKR, DAP and PAS) having its own agenda despite their leaders claiming otherwise. -Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

SIBU: State BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi described the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) pact as a marriage of convenience.

“Their alliance is ‘tidur sebantal mimpi lain-lain’ (sharing the same bed but having different dreams).

“I am sure the people reading this will swing their support to BN this 13th General Election,” the public utilities (electricity and telecommunications) assistant minister told The Borneo Post.

The PBB secretary-general was asked if PAS’ pre-emptive move in naming their candidates in seven parliamentary constituencies on Sunday showed all was not well with PR.

State PKR chairman Baru Bian was reported to be shocked by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang’s unexpected move as three seats named had yet to be discussed and agreed with PKR and DAP.

State BN youth chief Datuk Fadillah Yusof believed the latest incident was a sign the parties could not work together.

“They are not able to ‘pakat’ with each other as they have different ideologies.

Galeri: Projek Rumah Mesra Rakyat di Lundu

April 16, 2013

UNGKUP KITA … Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg nyuaka replika kunchi ngagai orang ke

ngempu rumah, Dolhardi Kippli enggau bini iya, Siti Miswati Ehawan rambau Ngabas Taba Projek Rumah

Mesra Rayat, ba Lundu kemari (Hari Satu). Bela bisi dipeda Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Haji 
Abdul Karim Hamzah, Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi enggau Pegawai Daerah Lundu, Mohd Azmi Bujang.

HOUSING MATTERS: Datuk Amar Abang Johari TunOpeng (seated, left) stressing a point at a discussion with (seated, from second left) Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and government officers.

206,000 pengundi baru dari golongan belia di Sarawak akan mengundi dalam PRU13 ini -Karim

April 15, 2013, Monday

KUCHING: Keputusan Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-12 (PRU12) telah sedikit sebanyak membawa perubahan senario mengundi di Malaysia dengan PRU13 ini dijangka melibatkan paling ramai pengundi baharu daripada golongan belia.

Menurut Menteri Muda Belia (Bandar) Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, di Sarawak sahaja bilangannya adalah seramai 206,000 orang.

Jelasnya, 53,000 orang daripadanya merupakan pengundi muda yang berumur 25 tahun ke bawah dan selebihnya adalah yang berusia 25 tahun ke atas.

“Kehangatan PRU13 ini telah menarik minat begitu ramai masyarakat termasuk anak-anak muda untuk mengundi,” katanya.

Dalam pada itu, Karim berkata daripada keseluruhan 1,063,740 pengundi Sarawak, 510,860 orang merupakan pengundi belia.

“Seramai 258,334 orang merupakan pengundi belia lelaki dan 252,526 orang adalah pengundi belia wanita,” katanya.

Terdahulu, Karim berkata PRU kali ini akan menyaksikan pengundian melibatkan begitu ramai golongan belia dengan 2.3 juta daripada 13 juta orang yang layak mengundi adalah pengundi muda.

‘Nothing wrong to hold polling on a Sunday’ -Karim

April 14, 2013, Sunday

SIBU: Politicising the polling date for the 13th general election represents another clear proof that the opposition is bent on opposing anything that the government or Election Commission (EC) does.

PBB supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he felt “very much amused” how PKR and DAP had equated polling on a Sunday (May 5) to being disrespectful and an inconvenience to Christians.

“It reflects the negative mentality of opposition leaders, who will oppose anything that the government or EC does.”

Pakatan Rakyat had blamed the EC for being insensitive to the needs of the rural folk in Sarawak and Sabah by setting polling to be on a Sunday. State DAP secretary Chong Chieng Jen complained that most rural natives are Christians with church service in the morning, and many had to travel long distances to vote.

Abdul Karim, who is Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya assemblyman, said: “I mean no disrespect to Christianity and their followers in Malaysia. I fully believe that Christian Sunday Mass and prayer services must be given due respect as much as other religious services too.

“Prayer services don’t take a whole day. One can go for Sunday Mass or religious service and after that, fulfil one’s duty as a citizen by going to vote.

“No big deal about it. If Baru (Bian), Chong or See (Chee How) thinks that it is disrespectful or inconvenient to Christians, they should remember that Muslims have to pray five times a day and they should also complain as to why we allow voting to be done during Muslim prayer hours.”

Terus berdiri teguh bersama parti

April 14, 2013

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Calon berpotensi Barisan Nasional (BN) dari Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) yang tidak dipilih untuk bertanding pada Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-13 (PRU13) nanti diharap terus berdiri teguh di belakang parti.

Perkara itu ditegaskan Ahli Majlis Tertinggi PBB Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yang memberi contoh di kerusi Parlimen Kota Samarahan, parti menerima lebih daripada enam nama calon berpotensi.

Namun, jelasnya, selepas penapisan dan penilaian yang teliti dari pelbagai aspek, hanya satu calon dipilih untuk mewakili BN pada PRU13.

“Tiap-tiap pilihan raya hanya seorang sahaja yang dapat mewakili satu parti dan apabila keadaan tersebut berlaku, mesti ada yang kecewa seperti di Samarahan ini terdapat tujuh orang yang berminat.

“Oleh itu, saya berharap calon yang tidak dipilih untuk bertanding pada pilihan raya ini tidak berkecil hati, sebaliknya diharap terus berdiri teguh dan memberi sokongan kepada calon yang telah ditentukan parti,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui selepas merasmikan program khidmat masyarakat Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) di Kampung Niup dekat sini, semalam.

Menyentuh mengenai tempoh berkempen yang dipanjangkan kepada 15 hari berbanding 11 hari sebelum ini, Karim menyambut baik perkara itu.

Karim: DAP only good at 'barking'

April 13, 2013

“When it comes to delivery and actually looking after the people, it is still BN, BN and BN.” Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

SIBU: Recapturing Sibu in the 13th general election ranks high on BN’s list of priorities, and top BN leaders believe this goal is achievable.

Since the BN stronghold fell to the DAP by 398 votes in the 2010 by-election, BN had been working tirelessly to regain lost grounds, and frequent visits by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had made things easier.

The prime minister’s transformational programmes had also created a `feel good’ ambience in Sibu, says some BN leaders.

State BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi said recent feedback from various sources in Sibu were positive.

“It is not an impossible target (to win back Sibu). We will work very hard to make sure a resounding victory for BN,” Dr Rundi, who is also Assistant Minister of Public Utilities, told The Borneo Post.

PBB supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said DAP had shown that they were only good at ‘barking’.

“When it comes to delivery and actually looking after the people, it is still BN, BN and BN,” said Abdul Karim, who is Assistant Minister of Youth Development and Asajaya assemblyman.

GE13: Don’t arouse religious sentiments by questioning Sunday polls, people told

Friday April 12, 2013

KUCHING: Criticising the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to set polling day on a Sunday is baiting racial and religious hatred, said former Sarawak Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club chairman Abdul Karim Hamzah.

“I’m very amused by how the Opposition has politicised the polling date as being disrespectful to Christians. It reflects their negative mentality,” said Karim, who after the 2011 Sarawak Election was made assistant minister.

“They just want to oppose (for the sake of opposing). I mean no disrespect to Christianity and Christians. I fully believe the Christian Sunday mass and prayer services must be given due respect.

“Prayer services don’t take a whole day. One can go for Sunday mass and after that fulfil one’s duty as a citizen by going to vote,” Karim told The Star yesterday.

The EC on Wednesday announced April 20 as nomination day and May 5 as polling day. The announcement has largely attracted comments on the longer-than-expected 15-day campaign period. However, others have criticised polling day being on a Sunday.

Members of the Opposition and also a university lecturer whom The Star spoke to on Wednesday said Sunday was a poor choice, which could be misinterpreted as being insensitive to Christians.

Karim said polling day had fallen on Sunday before in Malaysia, “in the general election of 1986 (August 3), 1990 (Oct 21) and 2004 (March 21)”.

Karim: PAS should observe the election rules

April 10, 2013

“The dissolution of parliament is not a ticket for any party to act without referring to the law.” Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

TOO EARLY: Several PAS flags seen in the vicinity of a roundabout in Kota Samarahan.

KUCHING: Parti Islam Semalaysia (PAS) has flouted the law by hoisting their party’s flags in public places before the campaigning period, particularly along Jalan Kuching-Samarahan.

Former Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday: “We should adhere to the law where banners and flags should only be raised during the campaigning period.

“The Santubong parliamentary election workforce has always been reminded to follow the rules and regulations during the election period.”

PBB Supreme Council member Karim Rahman Hamzah said all parties should observe the laws on campaigning activities including raising their party’s flags in public places.

“The dissolution of parliament is not a ticket for any party to act without referring to the law,” he said.

Meanwhile, state Election Commission director Datu Takun Sunggah urged political parties that had raised or hung their flag in public places to remove them immediately.

“Such act is against the local council law and action must be taken to remove them immediately,” said Takun.

Sarawak sokong sukan Ekuestrian

April 9, 2013

KERAJAAN Negeri akan memberi sokongan padu kepada Persatuan Ekuestrian Sarawak dalam usaha untuk membangunkan sukan berkuda di negeri pada masa depan. Menteri Muda Pembangunan Sukan, Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, sukan berkuda agak asing kepada kebanyakan penduduk negeri ini. 

Sehubungan itu, katanya, maklum balas daripada persatuan sangat diperlukan. Antaranya dari segi bantuan kewangan, permohonan tanah untuk aktiviti sukan berkuda, rangkaian hubungan dan seumpamanya.

“Sekiranya mempunyai masalah, persatuan boleh memohon bantuan daripada kita kerana Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial juga bertanggungjawab dalam bidang sukan di negeri ini,” ujarnya semasa menghadiri Majlis Jamuan Malam dan Amal Ekuestrian Sarawak 2013 malam kelmarin. 

Kata Karim, ahli persatuan disarankan untuk lebih proaktif dalam menjalankan aktiviti sukan berkuda kerana sukan tersebut berpotensi diterapkan dalam acara bersukan di negeri ini.

“Saya yakin, sekiranya sukan berkuda ini mencapai tahap yang diperlukan, sukan ini boleh dimasukkan dalam Sukan Malaysia 2016 (SUKMA) yang akan dijadualkan di Sarawak, maka, sukan berkuda ini perlu pendedahan yang banyak,” tegasnya. 

Terdahulu, Karim mengumumkan peruntukan sebanyak RM5,000 kepada persatuan dalam menjalankan aktiviti persatuan. 

Beliau juga dilantik sebagai Ahli Kehormat Persatuan Ekuestrian Sarawak. 

Karim thumbs up BN manifesto; thumbs down PR manifesto

April 9, 2013, Tuesday

SIBU: The BN manifesto has been described as the will of the people since it addresses their wants and needs while promising more development to benefit all strata of society.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak unveiled the manifesto themed ‘People First’ at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil on Saturday, which also pledged more development for Sabah and Sarawak.

The 32-page manifesto contained more than 150 commitments, most of them for specific projects and programmes.

Among its highlights are preserving nature’s resources such as revitalising rivers and streams which Tarat assemblyman and State Legislative Assembly deputy speaker Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn said “it shows the serious concern for future generations and the global society by BN.”

PBB supreme council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah gave the thumbs-up to the manifesto, saying it was both people and development centred.

“The manifesto is very people-friendly, focussed and reflects what Datuk Seri Najib has been advocating the last four years as prime minister – people first, performance now.

“I can see that the manifesto is all encompassing and will benefit all states, all levels of society, all races, and believers of all religions, the youth, women …I am very happy to see this manifesto which is people and development-oriented, far-sighted and achievable…unlike the opposition’s manifesto which I see is very much ‘sugar coated’ and meant to entice voters,” he noted.

Galeri: PSNES' Fund-Raising Dinner

April 9, 2013

WELCOMING THE PATRON: Abdul Karim (centre) showing off the souvenir given by PSENS after the association announced him as patron last Sunday. He is also seen in this picture wearing a patron’s blazer as Abdul Rahman (left) and his deputy (Rtd) Major Amir Abdullah Mohd Hassan (right) look on.

Kota Samarahan election candidate sure to deliver -Karim

April 8, 2013, Monday

KOTA SAMARAHAN: PBB Supreme Council member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is confident that the BN candidate for Kota Samarahan will serve the people in the constituency well.

He said he based his confidence on the candidate’s service record, which made him or her familiar with the problems and needs of the people there.

“We know the capability of this candidate and we know the person is hard working and familiar with the needs of the local community.

“So there should not be any problem for the candidate to give the best service to the people in Samarahan,” he said at the state-level 1Malaysia Community Carnival here last Saturday.

On a related matter, the Assistant Minister of Housing hoped that voters in Kota Samarahan would continue to give their support to the BN leadership in the coming general election.

On their readiness, he said the BN machinery in the area had long been preparing for the election and was raring to go.

“The operation had been set up but the poster of the candidate had yet to be printed.

Calon BN Kota Samarahan mampu memberi khidmat terbaik, kata Karim

April 7, 2013, Sunday

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Ahli Majlis Tertinggi Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah yakin calon Barisan Nasional (BN) yang bakal bertanding di kerusi Parlimen Kota Samarahan dapat memberi khidmat terbaik kepada rakyat di kawasan itu.

Beliau berkata, keyakinan itu berdasarkan rekod perkhidmatan calon berkenaan sebelum ini yang mengetahui masalah dan keperluan rakyat di kawasan itu.

“Kita mengetahui keupayaan calon ini dan kita tahu beliau amat rajin bekerja untuk rakyat di kawasan ini, malah beliau tahu masalah dan keperluan rakyat.

“Jadi tidak menjadi masalah kepada beliau dalam menyampaikan perkhidmatan terbaik kepada rakyat di Samarahan ini nanti,” katanya ketika ditemui pada majlis perasmian Karnival Komuniti 1Malaysia Peringkat Negeri di Halaman Samarahan semalam.

Karim yang juga Menteri Muda Perumahan dan Menteri Muda Pembanguna Belia (Bandar) berkata, untuk itu beliau berharap rakyat khasnya pengundi di Parlimen Kota Samarahan dapat memberi sokongan padu kepada kepimpinan BN dalam Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-13 (PRU13) kelak.

Pada masa sama, beliau memberitahu jentera BN di kawasan itu sudah lama bersiap sedia menghadapi pilihan raya dan hanya menunggu digerakkan sahaja.

“Bilik gerakan sudah ditubuhkan tetapi poster calon belum diletakkan kerana masih menunggu pengumuman dibuat oleh pucuk pimpinan tertinggi BN.

Youth to give Najib strong mandate — Abdul Karim

Posted on April 5, 2013, Friday

SIBU: Youth would give Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak a strong mandate to continue his various transformation programmes, said Assistant Minister of Youth Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said Najib’s transformation programmes have won the hearts of all strata of society, including the youth who would play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of the coming General Election.

“If we bother to study what he had done in the last four years when he was the Prime Minister, he had done tremendously well.

“No sector of the society or community is ignored and we can see that he has been a really hardworking Prime Minister,” said Abdul Karim.

International Youth Centre director Datuk Raja Ruslan Raja Samah has been reported as saying that because of the impact of social media, they were expecting a turnout of more than 70 per cent of young voters, a 10 per cent increase from the previous general election.

A total of 2,920,828 Malaysians registered as voters between 2008 and June 30, 2012. This figure makes up about 22 per cent of the country’s 13.1 million voters.

Meanwhile, Abdul Karim said the Malaysian economy’s positive growth demonstrates Najib’s good stewardship of the country.

PAS will lose like in state election — Abdul Karim

April 4, 2012, Wednesday

KUCHING: PAS will be shown the exit door in the coming parliamentary election, like what the party faced during the last state election.

This is because multi-ethnic and multi-religious Sarawakians will not accept the party as its struggle is to establish an Islamic state, said Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said it was also because the derogatory remark made by PAS president Datuk Seri Ustaz Hadi Awang on the ‘cawat’ issue after Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lost the Batang Ai by-election in April 7, 2009 was still fresh in the minds of the people in the state.

At that time, Hadi had said PR lost the by-election because Sarawakians and especially the Dayaks were still backward and did not know how to vote properly because they were still wearing ‘cawat’ or loin cloth.

Abdul Karim said the ‘cawat’ remark still hurt Sarawakians until today, and despite that there had been no attempt by Hadi to apologise or withdraw the malicious and derogatory statement in spite of several requests by many quarters.

Having said that, Abdul Karim said since Malaysia practised parliamentary democracy any registered political party could contest anywhere they wished.

“PAS is free to contest anywhere they wish or place any ethnic race as candidate but Sarawakians will show them the door when the time comes, like what we did in the last state election,” Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Housing Minister said.