No way Sarawakians to fight in Syria -Karim

July 11, 2013

IT’S OFFICIAL: Abdul Karim at the launch of the Stutong Ramadan Bazaar, accompanied by (from left)

Abang Affandi, Chan and Hariah. Also seen are Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan (third right)

as one of the sponsors for the event and community leader Temenggong Lu Kim Yong (right).

KUCHING: There is no truth to the so-called growing trend of home-grown extremists, especially in Sarawak.

Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he believed it was just a rumour a national daily’s claim there was such a trend in Peninsular Malaysia, where extremists had taken their cause to conflict zones like Syria.

“I don’t think there is anyone who would go to the extent of fighting for another country, such as Syria or Afghanistan. There might have been a few in the past, who were so-called linked to Indonesian extremists, but after that I don’t see the trend anymore.”

Abdul Karim said this yesterday when approached by reporters after he had launched the Ramadan Bazaar at Stutong.

“If the authorities have evidence of people being involved in extremist activities, then charge them.”

Abdul Karim, who is also Housing Assistant Minister, said he believed this trend would not take root in the state.

“Sarawak is a peaceful place. Look at the way we live. The racial harmony here is different from other places. The Ramadan Bazaar is a good example of how peaceful and harmonious we are. The trend will not come to our shores.”