Karim: Be proactive in seeking aid

April 13, 2014

Abdul Karim (centre) emphasises a point during the event. Haris is at left. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapa

KUCHING: Youth organisations in the state have been asked to move beyond merely writing letters to request for aid.

Assistant Minister of Youth Development (Urban) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the organisations should go the extra mile as there are several private or government agencies willing to provide funds for youth development programmes.

“Please refrain from writing in a letter asking for financial aid. Instead, come forward and meet these agencies face-to-face to seek their support in person,” he said when launching the state-level Youth Consultative Council 2014 yesterday.

He said those with funding would be more inclined to provide full or partial financial support following such meetings as they reflect the commitment and perseverance of the youth organisation.

According to Abdul Karim, philanthropists would also want to support solid youth development programmes.

“It is a philosophy that the youth of a nation reflects the nation’s future,” he said.

Abdul Karim also emphasised the need for youth bodies to keep up with current trends to avoid any interest mismatch.

“Do not be members of a youth body merely to have your name and post on a business card and wait for annual government grants. Be proactive and make sure that the objectives of the body are fulfilled every year,” said the Asajaya assemblyman.

He said village security and development committees (JKKKs) should rope in youth and women leaders to bring in vitality and dynamism.

“This is breaking out of the traditional way of appointing leaders who are the village’s elders,” he said. He added that unlike in the peninsula, youths in Sarawak have been more supportive and confident of the government.

“Maybe it is the needs and wants of the youths in the peninsula which have not been met,” said Karim, adding that this should be a strong signal to the nation’s leaders.

Meanwhile, the state-level Youth Consultative Council will act as a platform to garner feedback on the needs of youth bodies.

“This is in line with our objective of developing leaders and youths who are skillful in Sarawak,” said Youth and Sports Department state director Haris Ishak.