Asajaya land prices likely to rise once bridge completed

February 25, 2014

Abdul Karim (fifth left) presents prizes to winners of a singing competition.

ASAJAYA: Prices of land in Asajaya are expected to rise once Samarahan Bridge is completed the soonest by next year, says Housing Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“The bridge over Batang Samarahan is already tendered out, and I know it’s going to be built this year, expected to be completed next year or 2016. With this bridge, travel from Kuching wil take only 30 minutes (previously one hour).

“And I believe the price of land in Asajaya will double or treble. The rise in land prices is seen in the past one or two years, and we can see more development coming up in Asajaya soon,” he said at a Chinese New Year dinner organised by six organisations here last Saturday night.

He said this would benefit land owners in Asajaya whose land might be acquired for development.

Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman said Asajaya area, formerly known as Nonok, is slowly becoming a suburb of Kuching due to expansion of the capital city.

The RM150 million Samarahan Bridge was announced as a special gift for the people in Samarahan Division by Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin last year.

Land affected by the bridge – to be built from Kampung Baru in Kota Samarahan across the Samarahan river until Kampung Tambey in Asajaya – have already been acquired by the govermment.

   

Karim advices Baru: Don't waste public fund just because want to try luck to be Chief Minister

February 21, 2014

“My advice to him – we are not like PKR who love to see election after election being held." -Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

SIBU: Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian’s prediction of an early state polls does not carry weight.

In saying this, state BN secretary-general Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi added it was up to the present government to decide when and ground sentiments are of prime importance.

“The government is working very hard to fulfil its promises as stipulated in the manifesto before facing the people,” added Dr Rundi, who is Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications).

He was responding to Baru’s prediction that the 11th state election might be called between this September and next September.

Baru had said his prediction stemmed from the fact that new leaders wanted a fresh mandate from the people as soon as possible.

The state assembly’s term will expire on June 20, 2016 but the chief minister has the prerogative to dissolve it earlier.

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem is scheduled to succeed Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud as chief minister this Feb 28.

About 1,000 people expected at Kayuhan Mesra Warisan 2014

February 19, 2014

Abdul Karim (fourth left) showing the T-shirt having his name printed on it at the media conference.

KUCHING: About 1,000 people of all ages and background are expected at the first ever cycling programme – Kayuhan Mesra Warisan 2014 (Heritage Friendly Paddling 2014) – to be held here on Feb 23.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the activity, the First Vehicle-Free Day in the city, would cover a distance of five kilometers around the historical heritage sites and tourist attractions in the city centre and several settlements in Satok area.

Announcing the programme at a media conference here yesterday, he said the event, to kick off at 6am at the Kuching Waterfront Esplanade, was to celebrate Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Sarawak Year 2014, apart from promoting cycling as a healthy recreational activity among the local people.

The programme was also aimed at introducing Sarawak tourism mini ambassador to the local people.

The roads from Kuching Waterfront Esplanade to Jalan Ajibah Abol, Jalan Patinggan, Jalan Kulas, Jalan Haji Taha and back to the starting point will be closed to traffic during the period to allow for smoother ride for the cyclists.

Abdul Karim said Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg would flag off the participants, who would make a stop at Darul Maziah, a 300-year-old traditional Malay house at Kampung No. 6 for a briefing.

“Cycling is a recreational activity which is getting more popular among the youths in Sarawak and Kuching in particular. People of all ages and gender are seen cycling everyday not for race but as a recreational activity.

Urung 1,000 iku pengayuh basikal ngulu pengawa ‘Kayuhan Mesra Warisan 2014’ enggau ‘Hari Enda Bekerita’, 23 Feb

February 19, 2014

KUCHING: Program nepan basikal ‘Kayuhan Mesra Warisan 2014’ deka diatur begulai enggau ‘Hari Enda Bekerita’ (DBKU) kena 23 Februari tu ila deka mungkur penyauh lima kilometer ngelingi palan besejarah sereta palan ke suah dilawa temuai di bandaraya Kuching nyengkaum genturung pendiau Satok.

Menteri Muda Nembiak (Nengeri), Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah madah program nya ke keterubah iya diatur.

Program nya ku iya dipasuk urung 1,000 iku pengayuh basikal ari genap renggat umur enda ngira tuai tauka biak, diatur begulai Kelab Lumba enggau Main Komuniti (KSK) Satok, Gerempung Pemuda Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Satok, Opis Malaysia Tourism, Opis Kaunsil Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU), Opis Menteri Dagang Temuai Sarawak, Opis Menteri Pemansang Nembiak, Opis Pemadah Malaysia, Opis Pengelikun Jalai Alun (JKJR), YR1M, Gerempung Bebasikal Menua Sarawak enggau Polis Diraja Malaysia (pampang Trafik).

Iya madah program ke deka bepun ari pukul 6 pagi nya ari ‘Explanade Kuching Waterfront’ betuju ngeramika Taun Nemuai Ke Malaysia enggau Taun Nemuai Ke Sarawak 2014, meransang mensia mayuh bela ngerami aktiviti bepengerai bansa nya kelimpah ari belelak sereta ngangkatka pengawa dagang temuai nengah chara bebasikal.

Kelimpah ari nya mega, iya dikena meri kelai ‘duta’ mit pengawa dagang temuai Sarawak ba komuniti ditu.

Iya madah, jalai ke ditengah bebasikal, iya nya ari Explanade Kuching Waterfront Kuching nuju Jalai Ajibah Abol, Jalai Patingan, Jalai Kulas, Jalai Haji Taha lalu mulaika diri ngagai Explanade Kuching Waterfront.

Menteri Dagang Temuai, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg deka bejadika atur pengawa nya ila.

Abdul Karim: Vital for youths to be properly equipped

February 18, 2014

Abdul Karim (second right) accepting a memento from Ashraf (second left) during the closing of #ayckickstart2014 yesterday as (from left) Aloysius, Mohd Ariff and Sharkawi look on.

KUCHING: It is important that the youths of today are equipped to lead society when it is time for them to inherit the future.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak 2014 on Sunday, Assistant MInister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah pointed out that leadership is not limited to the political field alone.
   

Newly-formed state Pakatan Rakyat Council is ‘old hat’, says PBB supreme council member

February 17, 2014

SIBU: There will be no united front in the newly formed state Pakatan Rakyat Council as parties aligned under PR have never been able to consolidate in Sarawak.

PBB supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this was because there was no difference from the earlier PR when the pact was claimed to be a united platform.

“Since when has DAP, PKR, PAS and now SWP been able to work together in Sarawak? They align themselves under PR but that is only to hoodwink us that they are ‘united’.

“Come election, they start bashing each other and fight over who should contest. Every party wants to contest practically every seat that is available for contest,” said Karim, who is Asajaya, assemblyman.

“Now, they form the state Pakatan Rakyat Council, which is no different from the earlier PR that they claimed as a united platform. People are not easily taken in by all these names.

“It is just the same snake that has shed its skin. There will be no united front among them,” said Abdul Karim, who is Assistant Minister of Youth Development.

He was asked if the newly formed council would see PR working as a united front.

Belia berperanan majukan negara, bakal pemimpin masa depan

February 17, 2014

SANTUBONG: Golongan belia berperanan penting dalam memajukan negara dan merupakan bakal pemimpin negara pada masa depan.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia (Bandar) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata, belia cemerlang adalah aset negara paling berharga dalam meneruskan kepimpinan bagi mencapai kegemilangan sekali gus menyediakan golongan pelapis yang berdaya saing.

Justeru, bagi mencapai tujuan itu golongan belia seharusnya membabitkan diri dengan kegiatan yang berfaedah.

“Penting untuk menjaga kepentingan belia dan memahami kehendak semasa mereka, agar kita dapat membimbing mereka menjadi pemimpin yang baik pada masa depan.

“Adalah menjadi tanggungjawab semua pihak termasuk kerajaan, pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) serta ibu bapa sendiri untuk mendekati golongan ini, agar kita tahu apa yang mereka inginkan dan dapat memenuhi kehendak mereka,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada Majlis Penutupan Program Sukarelawan Jiwa Muda AZAM (#ayckickstart2014) di sini, semalam.

Karim yang juga Menteri Muda Perumahan menambah, pelbagai aktiviti telah dirancang oleh kerajaan untuk mendekati golongan belia.

   

Karim lauds decision by FAS to get tough with hooligans

February 14, 2014

SIBU: The decision of Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) to get tough with ‘hooligans’ causing disturbances or engaging in unruly behaviour has the support of Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said: “Soccer matches are for all fans to appreciate, be entertained and support.

“If there are some, who come with intention to create havoc or be a nuisance, they should not be there at the stadium.

“I am all for this tough measures against hooligans in football matches.”

Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, said yesterday: “All matches are conducted by professional referees and match officials.

“If there any foul were committed during a match, it is for these officials to make their decision.

Karim thumbs up to Adenan as Chief Minister

February 13, 2014

Hoped he (Adenan) would continue with development programmes already put in place in order to take the state to a higher level of achievement. - Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

KUCHING: Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar described the appointment of Tan Sri Adenan Satem as the new chief minister as “the right choice”.

“To me, he is the right choice. I’m pleased with the appointment and I’m sure Tan Sri Adenan will be able to perform the big role of a chief minister,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Wan Junaidi said this when asked to comment on Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud announcement yesterday that his successor is Adenan. Taib had earlier submitted his resignation letter dated Feb 28, 2014, to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin.

Santubong MP Wan Junaidi noted that Adenan had the respect of most elected representatives in the state, adding he was confident he would enjoy the support of all state BN component parties.

“I’m sure he will able to strengthen the BN in Sarawak and to lead BN in the next state election,” said Wan Junaidi, who is also a PBB Supreme Council member.

His colleague Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah also supported Adenan’s appointment, and hoped he (Adenan) would continue with development programmes already put in place in order to take the state to a higher level of achievement

“We wish to thank Pehin Sri (Taib) for what he has done for Sarawak. He has devoted his entire life for the state and nation. We wish him peace and happiness in whatever position he is going to do next.”

Taib ‘seperti bapa saya sendiri’: Karim

February 12, 2014

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Menganggap Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud bukan sahaja sebagai pemimpin berwibawa, malah seperti bapa sendiri.

Itu antara luahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah terhadap Ketua Menteri itu yang akan bersara pada penghujung bulan ini.

Namun demikian, ahli Majlis Kerja Tertinggi PBB yang juga Ketua Setiausaha Politik kepada Ketua Menteri itu menghormati keputusan Taib walaupun berasa amat sedih.

Ministry cannot interfere in repossession of 19 low-cost houses

February 12, 2014

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Housing Ministry cannot interfere in the issue over the repossession of 19 low-cost houses in Stutong that are being handled by the court.

Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it was a private matter between the developer and the buyers.

“We have held meetings to discuss this problem but now that the case has been brought up in court, it is not right for the ministry to interfere,” he told reporters after the swearing-in ceremony of Samarahan District Council councillors and Chinese New Year gathering at the civic centre here yesterday.

“We do empathise with their situation but from my understanding it was the court that gave the order to repossess the houses after the buyers failed to repay their loans,” he said.

Property developer Ibraco Bhd on Tuesday explained that the repossession of the 19 low cost houses was done after several buyers reneged on the payment of installments while others had not paid a single sen in the past four years.

“I am also made to understand there are several who have not paid any installment for up to eight years. The buyers should know that they can’t possibly live in the houses for free,” he added.

Abdul Karim also said that several of the buyers even refused to sign the loan as well as sales and purchase agreements when the houses were handed over to them.

Samarahan capai perubahan paling besar: Karim

February 12, 2014

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Kawasan di bawah seliaan Majlis Daerah Samarahan (MDS) telah mencapai lonjakan perubahan yang besar dan paling cepat meningkat berbanding majlis-majlis daerah lain, kata Menteri Muda Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Menurut beliau, ini ekoran perubahan prasarana yang dibangunkan dengan banyak di kawasan MDS seperti jalan raya, institusi-institusi pendidikan, estet-estet perumahan, kem tentera dan sebagainya.

Malah, katanya, pembangunan prasarana di kawasan MDS juga akan menyaksikan pembinaan Jambatan Samarahan yang dijangka mula dilaksanakan pada tahun ini, selain Jambatan Sadong Jaya yang kini di tahap awal pembinaan.

Tambah beliau, turut akan dibina pada tahun ini ialah jalan raya merentasi Asajaya menuju ke Jambatan Sadong Jaya.

“Kalau dahulu, peranan yang dimainkan oleh MDS tidak begitu tinggi tetapi pada hari ini peranan MDS adalah amat besar, lebih kurang sama dengan apa yang dijalankan oleh majlis perbandaran.

“Sebab itulah, kerajaan negeri telah memutuskan untuk menaik taraf MDS kepada Majlis Perbandaran Kota Samarahan dan ia dijangka dilaksanakan pada penghujung tahun ini,” katanya pada Majlis Angkat Sumpah Ahli-Ahli Majlis MDS 2014-2015 di Dewan Suarah Samarahan di sini, semalam.

Justeru, Karim yang juga Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia merangkap Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Asajaya mengingatkan ahli-ahli majlis MDS supaya komited dalam menjalankan tugas masing-masing.

14 new faces in Samarahan District Council

February 12, 2014

Abdul Karim (from row, centre) and Bayoi (fourth right) in a group photo with the councillors for the 2014-2015 term.

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Fourteen new faces were among the 30 Samarahan District Council (SDC) councillors officially sworn in for the 2014-2015 term yesterday.

The new term also saw seven additional members appointed to the council, raising the total number of councillors to 30 from 23 previously. They comprised representatives from Barisan Nasional component parties and one from a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Assistant Youth Development Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also Asajaya assemblyman and Assistant Housing Minister, presided at the swearing-in ceremony held at Kota Samarahan Civic Centre here.

Addressing the councillors, Abdul Karim advised them to be prepared to undertake an increasingly demanding role to improve the Samarahan areas and local community.

“Kota Samarahan District has witnessed significant changes in recent years with rapid development emerging in all sectors including infrastructure, residential and facilities,” he said.

Noting that the council would shoulder wider responsibilities, Abdul Karim also told the councillors to work together to ensure an efficient service delivery.

“Your fundamental role as a councillor is to serve and represent the interests of your community as a whole,” he reminded them.

CM started the sorrowful meeting by saying he will resign soon - Karim

February 9, 2014

“He told us to respect his decision. He was composed and very cool. He probably spoke until 12.30, about two hours, before opening up the floor to questions." - Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

Man of the hour: Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg greeting Taib (left) upon his arrival at the PBB headquarters for the party’s supreme council meeting.

KUCHING: Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Tan Sri Adenan Satem have been named as likely successors of Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Taib announced the names at the PBB Supreme Council meeting yesterday, according to party insiders.

Abang Johari is PBB deputy president, Tengah is senior vice-president while Adenan is the Information chief.

Pembinaan litar khas tidak dapat tangani ‘mat rempit’

February 8, 2014 

SIBU: Pembinaan litar lumba khas tidak akan dapat menangani masalah ‘mat rempit’ atau lumba haram di setiap bandar utama di negeri ini.

Menteri Muda Kemajuan Belia, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata penganjuran aktiviti rekreasi adalah perlu bagi mengalih perhatian ‘mat rempit’ daripada berlumba haram.

“Pembinaan litar lumba khas terutama di atas jalan raya awam tidak akan dapat menyelesaikan masalah lumba haram ini,” katanya sambil menambah pendidikan keselamatan jalan raya juga penting.

Beliau memberitahu, kegiatan merempit oleh golongan terbabit dilihat sebagai hanya melepaskan geram memandangkan rata-rata masih muda.

“Namun selepas mereka berkahwin dan mempunyai keluarga, minat merempit ini akan hilang secara perlahan-lahan. Apa yang penting, kita perlu mendidik mereka mengenai keselamatan di jalan raya serta mengalihkan perhatian kepada aktiviti sihat.

“Ibu bapa juga perlu memainkan peranan dengan menjauhi anak-anak mereka daripada terlibat dalam gejala merempit. Polis dan Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) juga harus lebih tegas.

“Pembinaan litar lumba khas bukanlah penyelesaian menyeluruh kepada masalah lumba haram ini,” jelas Abdul Karim.

   

Education one way to stop illegal races

February 7, 2014

Racers taking part in DAIICHI Sarawak Motor Racing Championship in this file photo.

SIBU: Education on road safety is one of ways to put the brakes on illegal racing, suggests Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said ‘bike racing’ on public road could not be stopped by only building racing tracks for them.

“Racing is a form of ‘escapism’ for some bikers during their teenage years. As they get older the craze dies down.

“We need to educate them on road safety and divert their attention to other forms of recreational activities if we need to solve this problem.

“Parents also need education to guide their children away from (illegal) bike racing.

“The police and Road Transport Dept also need to be firm.

“Building racing tracks for them is only a small solution,” Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, said.

Peranak rumah panjai tau berundingka ubah tukuh ke digaga HDC: Abd Karim

February 6, 2014

KUCHING: Sekeda rumah panjai ke enda setuju enggau tukuh ke digaga Opis Pemansang Pengawa Berumah (HDC) tau madahka tukuh ti dikedeka sida.

Menteri Muda Pengawa Berumah, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah madah, enti sema tukuh ke digaga HDC bisi penanggul sereta enda baka ti dikedeka sida, pekara nya patut dipejuraika.

“Enti bisi penanggul, pekara nya ulih diperunding. Penemu kami, asal iya enda lari ari tukuh asal rumah panjai nya empu.

“Rumah panjai patut ngembuan tukuh ke mandangka pengidup begulai…bisi ruai, tanju, tempuan, bilik, dapur. Kelebih agi baka ruai alai mayuh ngatur aktiviti. Tang enti bisi timbal madahka ruai ke ditukuh HDC nya kelalu mit, pekara baka tu patut dipejuraika,” ku Abdul Karim seraya madah, orang ke ngempu tanggungpengawa ngaga rumah panjai baru tu, Menteri Muda Pengawa Berumah enggau Pemansang Menua Pesisir, Datuk Francis Harden.

Lalu baka nya mega enggau bilik, ku iya, laban bilik rumah panjai enti nitih sigi besai laban nitihka pemayuh tubuh sesepintu.

“Enti enda salah aku pemesai bilik nya kada enda urung 700 kaki besegi, lebih kurang baka Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR), tang taja pia, agi bisi tanah ke belakang rumah panjai nya, enti sema sida iya deka ngaga besai agi.

“Enti kitai meda, maya ngemesaika rumah panjai, ke belakang kin ke digaga sida iya besai agi,” ku iya.

Karim: Taib could step down any time before 2016

February 5, 2014

KUCHING: Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud should play an advisory role to the state or the state cabinet even after he retires from his post.

Furthermore, the state would still need him to play a pivotal role in its development, said Assistant Youth Development Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“The chief minister had contributed tremendously to the development of the state. We have seen a lot of changes in the urban and rural areas, such as Samarahan, Mukah and Tanjung Manis. It is clear that his heart is with Sarawak, so he will certainly make sure that his successor is someone who would carry on his visions,” said Abdul Karim, who is also Assistant Housing Minister and Asajaya assemblyman.

Taib is also the initiator of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) – the catalyst for further development in the state as it is expected to bring in a lot of foreign investments and ample job opportunities for locals.

“Even if he retires, we want to see him play a role as a guide to the rest of us,” Abdul Karim told The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo in an exclusive interview at his office in Petra Jaya here yesterday.

He, however, stressed that these views were his personal opinion.

There is an indication that Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud might step down any time within this current State Legislative Assembly term, he pointed out.

  

Pegai Kepala Menteri agi dikemeratka Sarawak

February 5, 2014

Iya ngemeratka pemansang industri nengeri tu, bepeneleba ba politik, kemaya nyurutka diri awak iya nentu

KUCHING: Kepala Menteri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud agi dikemeratka Sarawak lebih agi bepelasarka peneleba iya dalam pengawa politik pemansang di kandang SCORE, ‘Hab Halal’, Tekat hidro di menua tu enggau macham jalai pemansang bukai ke ulih nyungkak nengeri tu ngembuan pengeraja industri manggai taun 2030 ila.

Menteri Muda Pengawa Berumah ti mega Menteri Muda Nembiak (Nengeri), Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah madah, Sarawak udah ngasaika mayuh pemansang baik nya di kandang mengeri tauka di menua pesisir.

“Ambika chunto, peratika bakani sitak Samarahan udah mayuh berubah, Mukah, Tanjung Manis maya Taib nyadi Kepala Menteri kitai. Bedau agi kitai meda pemansang ke mit-mit.

“Lalu pia mega baka Bakun enggau Samalaju diatu, entara pemansang ke disadang kitai ke ulih ngangkatka Sarawak nyadi sebuah menua industri jemah ila. Taib meh orang ke udah mai mayuh pemansang ngagai menua sereta ati ke seruran enggau rayat” ku Abdul Karim madah maya dikerandau Utusan Borneo enggau The Borneo Post di opis iya ditu, di Wisma Perumahan, kemari.

Iya madah munyi nya lebuh nimbal tanya ari sekeda orang ke deka nemu kemaya Taib badu nyadi Kepala Menteri.

Ku iya, maya pengawa bepilih besai menua dua taun ke udah, ba siti atur pengawa ‘Sejiwa Senada’ di Serian, Menteri Besai kala madahka penggal tu penggal ke penudi Taib deka bediri sereta nyadi Kepala Menteri.

‘Entara maya nya enggau diatu, mayuh tanda ke udah dipeda, nyangka tengan penggal tu kini. Penggal tu dijangka abis timpuh dalam taun 2016. Nyangka dalam taun 2016 kini, awakka Kepala Menteri empu madah. Nyangka pagila, bulan baru tu ila?,” ku iya.

Bumiputera perlu ubah fikiran untuk maju, kata Abdul Karim

February 5, 2014

RASMI: Abdul Karim (empat kiri) memukul gong sambil diperhatikan oleh Rohani (tiga kiri), Simoi (empat kanan), Zulwali (tiga kanan), Ismawi (dua kanan), Hamdan (dua kiri) dan Mohd Yusof (kiri) pada majlis tersebut.

SRI AMAN: Kaum Bumiputera di negeri ini diingatkan agar mengubah pemikiran sekiranya ingin maju, demikian menurut Menteri Muda Pembangunan Belia dan Perumahan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Beliau berkata, sekiranya kaum itu tidak berubah, nescaya mereka akan ketinggalan dalam segala aspek bukan hanya dalam aspek pembangunan, sosial dan politik, bahkan pembangunan diri.

Beliau yang mewakili Menteri Perumahan dan Pelancongan Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg berkata demikian semasa merasmikan Seminar Masyarakat Melayu Sri Aman anjuran Persatuan Persaudaraan Melayu Sri Aman dengan kerjasama Pejabat Daerah Sri Aman di Dewan Suarah di sini, kelmarin.

Follow original design when building longhouses, HDC told

February 5, 2014

KUCHING: Longhouses that deviate too much from their original design must be relooked into, said Housing Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

“If there is any problem with the design of longhouses built by Housing Development Corporation (HDC), we will have to address it. The design cannot deviate too much from the original design of longhouses. For instance, the ‘ruai’ is for communal activities. If it is too small, it wouldn’t do,” he said.

On complaints from certain quarters in Betong who were not happy with specifications allegedly given by HDC because they made their longhouses smaller, Abdul Karim said he was not aware of any application from the area.

Taib wajar diberi peranan penting selepas bersara

February 5, 2014

Tunjuk ajar dan panduan amat diperlukan demi Sarawak

KUCHING: Ahli Majlis Tertinggi Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berpendapat Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud wajar diberi peranan penting setelah bersara sebagai Ketua Menteri kelak.

Meskipun tidak menjelaskan lanjut peranan itu dan apakah jawatan dimaksudkan, Abdul Karim berkata tunjuk ajar dan panduan daripada Taib amat diperlukan dalam memastikan projek pembangunan ekonomi dapat dilaksanakan dengan lancar.

Menurutnya, projek seperti Koridor Tenaga Diperbaharui Sarawak (SCORE), Hab Halal Tanjung Manis dan empangan-empangan hidroelektrik adalah ilham dan perancangan jangka panjang Ketua Menteri dalam memastikan Sarawak mencapai status negeri berpendapatan tinggi.

“Kita mahu beliau kekal memainkan peranan sebagai bapa, pembimbing dan seseorang yang boleh dirujuk untuk meneruskan landasan yang beliau lakukan seperti SCORE, Hab Halal dan empangan (hidroelektrik) seperti yang diilhamkannya.

“Ini dilakukan bukan untuk kepentingan peribadi, tetapi untuk masa depan negeri ini,” katanya dalam temu bual eksklusif di pejabatnya di sini, semalam.

Abdul Karim yang juga Menteri Muda Perumahan berkata, rata-rata pemimpin Barisan Nasional (BN) masih mahu Taib memimpin Sarawak yang kini berhadapan dengan faktor usia.

Katanya, pengorbanan Ketua Menteri dalam politik bermula pada usia 20-an dan sehingga kini, beliau rela mengurangkan masa bersama keluarga demi memastikan rancangan pembangunan negeri atau negara ini dapat dilaksanakan.

Former deputy minister Bujang Ulis dies

 February 4, 2014

He will be remembered as a friendly and approachable minister for Sarawakian students who studied in Kuala Lumpur during his days as deputy education minister - Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah

Maimunah (centre) flanked by her daughters at Bujang’s grave during the burial ceremony at the Samariang Muslim cemetery yesterday.

KUCHING: Datuk Bujang Ulis the former Deputy Education Minister and three-term Member of Parliament of Simunjan, died in his house at Kpg Semariang Jaya, Petra Jaya early yesterday morning at the age of 66.

Bujang had also served as Deputy Primary Industries Minister from 1980 to 1983 before becoming Deputy Education Minister from 1984 to 1986. He was a former vice-president of PBB and MP for Simunjan from 1978 to 1990.

Simunjan parliamentary constituency has been re-delineated into a state seat.

He quit PBB in 1987 with several other leaders to form Persatuan Rakyat Malaysia Sarawak (Permas).

Prior to his political career, Bujang was a teacher. He taught at SMK Simunjan, SMK Tun Openg and was the principal of SMK Three Rivers school in Mukah.

Among those who paid their last respects to the former MP was one of his former students Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais who ironically is the state assemblyman of Simunjan.

Naroden remembered his former teacher as a down to earth and jovial man.

Galeri: SUPP Open House

February 2, 2014

Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib together with Tan Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui and other state leaders.