Saturday 17 December 2016

Shuttlers from 17 nations set for Malaysia Masters

December 17, 2016 

Karim (centre) flanked by Hii (left) and Chew at a press conference.

SIBU: Shuttlers from 17 countries will be taking part in the Victor Far East Malaysia Masters Badminton Championship 2017, to be held at the Sibu Indoor Stadium here from Jan 17 to 22.

The championship offers cash prizes totalling over RM500,000.

Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said top ranking badminton players were expected to converge on the new Sibu Indoor Stadium.

He added that the state was proud to host the prestigious event.

“It is organised by Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and is part of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Grand World Prix Series,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Karim said the Visit Sibu Year 2017 programme would receive a major boost as the badminton event is expected to attract local and foreign fans to Sibu.

The last three days of the championship would be broadcast live on Astro, he added.

Monday 12 December 2016

Selangor, Johor hold court as Sarawak foiled twice

December 12, 2016

Abdul Karim (back row, seventh left) with the organising committee and Selangor boys’ team.
SIBU: Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is pleased that both Sarawak team' performance has improved in the just concluded 16th Milo-Malaysia Youth Under-14 Volleyball Championship 2016.

However, The Borneo Post reported, the assistant minister admitted that he was fascinated with Selangor team which eventually emerged as the champions in the boys' category.
Abdul Karim, in his speech when officiating the closing ceremony, also congratulated the organising committee of Sarawak Volleyball Association (SAVA) for making the tournament a success.

Salam Maulidur Rasul


Saturday 10 December 2016

Galeri: Opening of ‘Devolution of Power Briefing’

December 10, 2016

Sarawak Information Department director Abang Sardon Abang Hashim presents a memento to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg at the start of the briefing in Sibu, as Assistant Minister for Youth and Sport Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah looks on. -TheBorneoPost

Friday 9 December 2016

Get rid of negative mindset on blue-collar jobs — Abdul Karim

December 9, 2016

Abdul Karim (left) receiving a memento from Syeed Mohd during the event held at Centex Kuching, Jalan Sultan Tengah.
KUCHING: Youths in Sarawak should not have the mindset that only white-collar jobs offer lucrative salaries.

In fact, blue-collar jobs are fast replacing white-collar jobs in terms of paying lucrative salaries.

This was revealed by Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah in his speech during the launch of ‘Program Cekal: IPT Bebas Dadah’ at Centre of Technical Excellence (Centex) at Jalan Sultan Tengah here yesterday.

The event was jointly organised by Sarawak Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) and Centex.

Centex CEO Syeed Mohd Hussien Wan Abdul Rahman and other officials were present.

“In certain developed countries like South Korea, blue-collar jobs are much more lucrative than white-collar jobs,” Abdul Karim pointed out.

“After visiting a few developed countries, I came to the conclusion that blue-collar jobs are more in demand by most youths there as they pay better. I hope youths in our country, especially in Sarawak, get to see this become a reality soon,” he said.

State has very few abandoned private housing projects

December 9, 2016 

SIBU: The number of private housing development projects in the state that were abandoned is very low with just 20 recorded between 1996 and 2007.

This contrasted with the 26 abandoned projects in the peninsula just this year and a total of 134 abandoned private housing projects there between 2013 and last month.

Assistant Minister for Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this could be partly attributed to new government mechanisms involving heavier penalties for defaulting developers.
   

Monday 5 December 2016

Pewaris Seni dan Surau Darul Muhibbah juara zikir

December 05, 2016


SADONG JAYA: Pewaris Seni dan Surau Darul Muhibbah telah muncul sebagai juara untuk kategori lelaki dan perempuan dalam Pertandingan Zikir PNK Asajaya / Semera yang berakhir semalam di Dewan Masyarakat Kampung Semara Ulu.

Pewaris Seni dari Kampung Semera Hilir manakala Surau Darul Muhibbah dari Kampung Semera Lot.

Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah dalam ucapan perasmian penutupan memuji usaha PNK Asajaya / Semera mengadakan pertandingan zikir.

Beliau berkata pertandingan zikir ini bukan sahaja dapat membantu mennyemarakkan budaya berzikir didalam masyarakat Islam di Sarawak tetapi ia juga membantu peserta membuat penilaian keatas tahap kemahiran mereka.

Beliau selanjutnya berkata beliau telah lama mengikuti perkembangan persatuan nelayan tersebut dan telah melihat kejayaan persatuan membantu ahli-ahli dan anak-anak mereka.

Beliau kemudiannya berkata atas sebab ini ia tidak memeranjatkan apabila PNK Asajaya / Semera dianggap sebagai diantara terbaik di Sarawak.

Abdul Karim percaya PNK Asajaya / Semera mampu untuk meningkatkan lagi tahap pencapaian yang telah diperolehi.

‘BN unperturbed by sensationalised issues in the next election’


SIBU: The issues sensationalised by the opposition will not affect Barisan Nasional (BN)’s chances of winning in the 14th general election (GE14), in that the current ruling coalition has been managing such issues quite well.

According to Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, there is no country or political system that is ever spared from crises and issues – each has experienced its own ups and downs.

His remarks came following views by political analysts that BN would retain power in the next election.

Specifically, Asia Institute of University of Tasmania director Prof James Chin had said that BN would win in GE14 as the decisive and majority votes would still come from the rural areas.

“At the rate we are going, I have full confidence that BN will still be in power after GE14. Definitely there’s unhappiness here and there, as well as issues cropping up that are being sensationalised by the opposition, but that is normal.

“We just need to manage such crises well and strive to instil confidence in the general public. So far, Malaysia has done pretty well and despite issues like 1MDB, the economic outlook for Malaysia is still much better than most other countries.

“It is on this note that I feel the people will still vote for BN. The opposition is much needed as well, for checks and balances,” Abdul Karim told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Saturday 3 December 2016

Sarawak officials reprimanded over Sukma takraw issue

December 3, 2016 


KUCHING: The issue of the Sarawak women’s sepak takraw squad employing the services of three Indonesian players during the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in July has been resolved amicably, said Youth and Sports and Solidarity Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Abdul Karim, who was appointed as Sarawak contingent’s chef de mission a month before the games, said he only found out about the matter during the games and had immediately instructed for the three foreign players to be replaced and not to be fielded when the squad competed in the semi-finals.

Abdul Karim also expressed his regret that such an incident occurred, adding that it might due to the eagerness of certain officers to win a medal.

“I have reprimanded the officers involved and it has been resolved amicably,” said Abdul Karim when asked to explain

the incident in a press conference on Thursday.

The assistant minister also give assurance that such an incident would not recur and that no action would be taken against the officers and the sepak takraw association.

Friday 2 December 2016

Sepak takraw controversy resolved


Youth, Sports and Solidarity Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong (centre), flanked by Abdul Karim and the ministry’s permanent secretary Kameri Affendi, leading the Sarawak contingent competing in the 9th BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games to give a spirited pose during the handing over of state colours.
KUCHING: Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed that a controversy involving foreign players in Sarawak’s sepak takraw team in the recent Sukma has been resolved internally.

He said a warning letter has been issued to the team management to warn them against using wrong approaches to win medals for the state.

The team had reached the semi-finals stage.

Tuesday 29 November 2016

A local racing track – to build or not to build

November 29, 2016

SIBU: Building a racing track in Sarawak may not be feasible as it is costly, said Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who also doubts it will curb ‘Mat Rempit’ activities.

He was asked to respond to the proposal by Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman on an auto racing track to enable youths in Sarawak to have a proper platform to conduct race activities.

When debating the State Budget 2017, Fazzrudin had proposed that the state government could first identify a piece of land to accommodate the proposed track of at least 800m long and 50m wide, saying that it would not be a heavy investment while raising the enthusiasm for auto racing among the youths.

“Building and maintaining a racing track is very expensive. Even the Malaysian Formula 1 Race in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore Formula 1 night race is being scrapped because of the heavy cost of organising and maintaining this track and races,” said Abdul Karim.

He added: “I am unsure whether it is a good idea to have racing tracks in Sarawak. Personally I am quite sceptical as probably we are only looking at local motor enthusiasts. If we think of having an international racing track in Sarawak, logistically it might not be viable. Our population is also small.

“However, if the races that we are looking at are Kart racing or small bike racing, I don’t think we need to invest in a permanent track what is very costly to build and maintain. How many races do we conduct in a year at this track? Two or three the most. The rest of the year would be for enthusiasts to do their spin.”

The Asajaya assemblyman was also unsure building a proper track would solve the “Mat Rempit” activities.

Silat exponents eyeing three gold

November 29, 2016

Abdul Karim (right) handing over the state flag to Fazzruddin as the state team look on.
KUCHING: The state silat contingent has set a target of three gold medals for the International Combat Festival to be held in Penang from Dec 1-4.

The eight athletes will contest in seven categories.

“Definitely our target is to win all categories contested, but we have to be realistic, which is why we target three gold medals,” Rumpun Silat Sarawak (RSS) deputy president Fazruddin Abdul Rahman told reporters after receiving the state flag at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex yesterday.

Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah presented the flag.

Fazzruddin, who is also Tupong assemblyman, said taking part in this festival will further expose four in the team who competed in Sukma this year. RSS is busy with various competition organised locally held throughout the state.

“This is one of the approaches taken to unearth new talent and at the same time select players to represent our state at national competition.

FAM asked to address Sarawak’s high transport cost



KUCHING: Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) should look into the transportation cost faced by Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) whenever the Crocs play away matches.

Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the state team has to bear a heavy cost of flying the state team for matches in the Peninsula. He noted that the problem is shared by both Sarawak and Sabah.

“Sabah and Sarawak suffer from the burden of cost incurred when there is an away match,” he told reporters yesterday.

As FAM is the national governing body, Karim stressed, they have to review and examine the matter seriously.

“We (Sarawak) and Sabah are the participants of the competition organised by FAM. “You can’t just let Sabah and Sarawak continue to be burdened by the high cost (without assistance).

On the upcoming FAM Annual General Meeting scheduled early next year, Karim said FAS ought to send a representative to voice this concern.

Saturday 19 November 2016

Abdul Karim: Number of students in Sarawak involved in drug abuse still low

November 19, 2016

KUCHING: The number of students involved in drug abuse in the state is still low compared with other states, says Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

This year to date, Sarawak recorded cases involving 17 students aged 14 and 18, six individuals from public institution of higher learning, and 12 from private institution of higher learning.

Abdul Karim disclosed this while chairing a meeting by the state Malaysian Substance Abuse Council (Masac) at Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) here yesterday.


Thursday 17 November 2016

Wushu training centre ‘in the pipeline’

November 17, 2016

KUCHING: Sarawak wushu, which has continued to excel in Sukma and other national championships, deserves to have a centre for training athletes and hosting competitions.

Assistant Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who has commended the Wushu Federation of Sarawak (WFS) for its good management and ability to produce good results, believes that the State government should seriously consider the association’s request for land to build the centre.

“On my side it is still in the preliminary stage because no land had been identified,” he revealed.


Kontinjen Sarawak mampu mencabar Kejohanan Wushu KPM, kata Abdul Karim

November 17, 2016

KUCHING: Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah optimis kontinjen wushu Sarawak mampu memberikan cabaran pada Kejohanan Wushu Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia (KPM) yang akan berlangsung di Han Chiang High School, Pulau Pinang dari 18 hingga 20 November ini.

“Berdasarkan prestasi semasa atlet, saya yakin mereka mampu membawa banyak keputusan positif untuk Sarawak.

“Mereka masih muda, penuh keyakinan dan bersikap profesional dengan persembahan,” katanya semasa mengadakan lawatan ke Pusat Latihan Elit Wushu di Pusat Sukan Kota Sentosa kelmarin.

Wednesday 16 November 2016

Great expectations: Sarawak’s 20 all set for KPM Wushu Championship in Penang


Karim (seventh right) and WFS officials gesture as the assistant minister hands over the state colours to Tiong (fifth right).
KUCHING: The Sarawak team are expected to do well in the Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia (KPM) Wushu Championship at Han Chiang High School in Penang from Nov 18-20.

None other than Assistant Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expressed this confidence when he met the young athletes set to perform in the national junior meet that was revived after two years.

Karim having a light moment with some of the wushu exponents.
“Looking at the way that the athletes perform, I am very sure they can bring back a lot of “good things” for the state. They are very young, look so confident and so professional with their performance,” he said at the State Elite Training Centre at Kota Sentosa Sports Centre on Monday evening.

Accompanied by Wushu Federation of Sarawak (WFS) president Allen Wong, deputy president James Ting and other officials, Karim also watched the young athletes in action during a training session.

The wushu exponents listen attentively to Karim.

Karim, also Assistant Housing Minister, said he was impressed by the young athletes who did not look jittery when executing their routines.

“Personally, I am very impressed by what I have seen tonight. If these are the kind of athletes that we have been grooming, I believe wushu in Sarawak and even Malaysia can go a long way.”

VICTORY IS OURS!!!
He also highlighted the commitment of WFS coaches and officials.

SWP may apply to join BN if subscribed to the struggle

November 16, 2016


SIBU: A PBB supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says any party may apply to join BN if they subscribed to BN’s struggle.

“However, before applying, one needs to see whether their act could strengthen BN or it is done for some personal agenda," said Abdul Karim in reference to a claim by Sarawak Workers Party (SWP) that it has sent an application to join the coalition.

He added: “There are already four BN parties in Sarawak and I am unsure having another one would be an appropriate action.”

Meanwhile the State BN Secretary General Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi disclosed that he had not received any application from the party.

“(Furthermore) we have not discussed the matter,” Dr Rundi, who is Public Utilities Minister, told The Borneo Post yesterday when asked if he had received the application and on the status of the application.

In a press conference here last Saturday, SWP president Munan Laja claimed that they had sent the application but were yet to receive any feedback from BN.

Nonetheless, Munan was hopeful their application would be accepted as the party’s intention was to work with the BN in developing the state.

Anak-anak memerlukan tahap pendidikan setinggi yang mungkin

November 16, 2016

Datuk Abdul Karim bersalaman dengan pelajar SK Sebandi Ulu.
ASAJAYA: Ibubapa perlu ada hasrat untuk memberi pendidikan yang setinggi yang mungkin kepada anak-anak.

Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, ketika berucap di Majlis Graduasi dan Anugerah Kecermelangan SK Sebandi Ulu di Dewan Masyarakat Kampung Sebandi Ulu petang semalam, berkata hasrat ini perlu ada kerana keadaan dunia yang semakin memberi penekanan kepada pencapaian akademik.

Oleh itu, menurut beliau, anak-anak mesti dibantu agar berupaya untuk bersaing dalam dunia yang amat berbeza daripada sebelumnya.

Beliau berkata jika dulu sesuatu jawatan hanya memerlukan kelayakan SPM, kini ia memerlukan kelayakan yang lebih tinggi daripada itu.

Datuk Abdul Karim bersalaman dengan pelajar SK Sebandi Ulu.
Abdul Karim yang juga ADUN Asajaya menggesa ibubapa agar mengambil sikap ingin tahu terhadap aktiviti harian anak-anak mereka.

Beliau berkata ada banyak aktiviti-aktiviti yang boleh memesongkan fokus anak-anak muda sehingga menyebabkan mereka gagal untuk memberi perhatian yang sewajarnya terhadap pendidikan.


Pada masa yang sama, Abdul Karim turut menggesa ibubapa agar tidak menghalang anak-anak mereka membabitkan diri dengan aktiviti ko-kurikulum.

Tuesday 15 November 2016

Karim gesa ibubapa galak anak bayar balik pinjaman PTPTN

November 15, 2016


KOTA SAMARAHAN: Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah menggesa ibu bapa agar menggalakkan anak-anak yang sudah bekerja agar membayar balik pinjaman Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN).

Menurut beliau, PTPTN amat memerlukan pembayaran semula pinjaman memandangkan ia tidak mempunyai dana yang mencukupi untuk dipinjamkan kepada pemohon baru.

Beliau menambah isu pinjaman PTPTN memeningkan kerajaan kerana ramai yang gagal membayar semula pinjaman PTPTN mereka. 

Abdul Karim tidak menyatakan sebarang angka dalam ucapannya ketika merasmi Mini Konvokesyen Tabika KEMAS DUN N.15 Asajaya di Dewan Suarah Kota Samarahan pagi tadi tetapi menurut sebuah akhbar nasional hari ini, seramai 753,058 PTPTN tak pernah bayar balik pinjaman PTPTN.

Pengerusi PTPTN Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah dilaporkan berkata masalah ini mengakibatkan pelajar baru tidak memperolehi pembiayaan 100 peratus seperti sebelum ini.

Abdul Karim, yang juga merupakan ADUN Asajaya, juga menggesa ibubapa agar tidak menghalang anak-anak mereka membabitkan diri dalam aktiviti ko-kurikulum.

Menurut beliau, selain daripada akademik, anak-anak juga memerlukan pendidikan berbentuk bukan akademik untuk berjaya dalam kehidupan.

Sunday 13 November 2016

Leaders welcome PM’s readiness to discuss MA63

November 13, 2016

KUCHING: State Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders have welcomed the readiness of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to discuss the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the readiness shown by Najib showed that the Prime Minister is practical.

“I am sure he can feel how the people of Sarawak and Sabah feel. It is good for him to reciprocate and come up with this statement that he is willing to discuss with Sabah and Sarawak leaders on MA63 if this agreement had been misinterpreted by Putrajaya all these years,” he said yesterday.

“I am sure this statement from him will go a long way in building a more prosperous and united Malaysia.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, who is Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, said that the form of discussion between the federal government and state governments of Sabah and Sarawak must done in the right manner.

“In what form (will the discussions be held); within the four walls, or in the open via the State Legislative Assemblies of Sabah and Sarawak. This we need to know,” he said.

“I would prefer the discussion on MA63 within the four walls. Then, Putrajaya and the two East Malaysia states will have serious and meaningful discussions on important matters without input from the opposition, who will certainly politicise the matters just for the sake of publicity.”

Galeri:

November 13, 2016

http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/11/13/abg-johari-sarawaks-future-very-bright/


Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg  (second left) in jovial mood meeting the youths together with (from right) Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Associate Prof Dr Jeniri Amir and Minister of Sports, Youth and Solidarity Dato Sri Michael Manyin.

Galeri: Opening ceremony of state-level Youth Day 2016

November 13, 2016

Youth Icon award recipients and others in a photocall with Minister of Youth, Sports and Solidarity Dato Sri Michael Manyin (standing at fifth left).
Minister of Youth, Sports and Solidarity Dato Sri Michael Manyin presents a mock cheque to Pandelela Rinong. Looking on are Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Assistant Minister for Solidarity Rosey Yunus.


Saturday 12 November 2016

Empowering youths to excel

November 12, 2016

Naroden (fourth right) with Abdul Karim on his right and other guests cutting the ribbon to launch the exhibition.
KUCHING: The government will continue to empower youths through skills training and provide them opportunities to excel.

Assistant Minister for Youths and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this was in line with the government’s aspiration to see youths succeed and participate in developing the state.

He added that while it was good for youths to excel in sports, arts and involved in recreational activities, it was equally important for them to become successful entrepreneurs.

“We (government) are really in need of youths who are multi-skilled and farsighted to develop family, state, country and society….so programmes and activities to empower youths will become a continuous agenda of the government,” he assured yesterday.

He told reporters this after a walk-about to the exhibition booths at the compound of the State Indoor Stadium in conjunction with the state level Youth Day Celebration 2016.

Besides the exhibition booths, a ‘Showcase Usahawan Belia Sarawak’ was also held at Stadium Negeri carpark in conjunction with the celebration, which was launched by Assistant Minister for Entrepreneur Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais yesterday.

Naroden told reporters that the exhibition was important to expose youths to explore the various business opportunities available to them.

Wednesday 9 November 2016

Abdul Karim warns against abuse of social media


November 9, 2016 

SIBU: Those abusing the online social media to create ill feeling between the federal and state governments or stir racial or religious tension were yesterday given a stern warning.

In telling them to watch out, Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and police to monitor such activities and bring those responsible to book.

Abdul Karim was reacting to a fake Facebook posting that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem had threatened to withdraw Sarawak from Malaysia, which went viral recently.

A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office on Monday refuted the claims made in the posting, which it said were intended to create a rift and ill-feeling between the state and federal governments.

It denied that Adenan had ever made any public statement to threaten to secede from Malaysia if the federal government did not solve some problems raised openly by the chief minister.

“Social media users who commit despicable acts of creating racial or religious tension, spreading untruth stories, promoting treasonable acts against the King or our beloved nation or pitting the states in the Federation against each other or against the federal government; they better beware.

“The long arm of the law will sooner or later catch up with them. Likewise, media users who tried to use the social media to create tension between the chief minister and the federal government… by maliciously quoting Adenan giving ultimatum to Putra Jaya to ‘return’ Sarawak’s right lest he (Adenan) would seek to take Sarawak out of Malaysia is most despicable and downright malicious,” Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, pointed out.

Sunday 6 November 2016

RTM is still relevant — Karim

November 5, 2016

Karim (third left) and Salmah (fourth right) together with RTM senior officers place their palms on the globe in a symbolic gesture to declare open the Sehati @RTM Berambeh.
KUCHING: Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) is still relevant and plays an important role in disseminating accurate information, news and provides entertainment via television and radio for the general public.

Assistant minister for Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah commended RTM Sarawak for fulfilling its duty and responsibility to meet the different needs of the multiracial community since its establishment.

“We are all very familiar with RTM as many generations have grown with the station. The station has provided many programmes in different languages to reach out to its viewers and listeners,” he said whern officiating at the Sehati @RTM Berambeh programme held at the RTM compound yesterday.

“Such is the identity of this organisation that’s sensitive towards the needs of the people in Sarawak’s diverse community,” he added.

On the four-day Berambeh programme that started on Nov 3 featuring many activities and events from sports, leisure to entertainment, Karim said he was amazed by the high spirit of RTM staffs in bringing and uniting the community and RTM together.

“The efforts put in are huge despite the small number of staffs. There are varieties of activity that suit the entire family. So congratulation for such a successful event,” he added.

Earlier, RTM Sarawak director Salmah Ibrahim Melina pointed out that the main objective of the Berambeh event was to reach out to the general public and bring them closer to RTM.

Sunday 30 October 2016

The whole world benefitted from Confucius' teachings

October 30, 2016

FOR EDUCATION: Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah presenting a mock cheque of RM30,000 to the Board of Management of Chung Hwa School Beliong.

KUCHING: The impact of Confucius' teachings is not only confined to the Chinese community but also other communities around the world.

Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this had caused many studies to be carried out on his teachings in many parts of the world.

He said the world was intrigued with Confucious' teachings which were applicable in many aspects of human life.

Abdul Karim spoke at Majlis Malam Mesra Hari Confucious 2016 held at a restaurant here last night.

The function was organised by SJK Chung Hua Beliong on behalf of the Combined Board of Management Committee of Schools and PTA of 19 Chinese stream primary schools of Kuching-Serian Road, Simunjan and Asajaya.

RECOGNITION OF CONTRIBUTION: Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah with the recipients of long service award
Abdul Karim also touched on the contributions made by the Chinese community in the field of education.

He said the Chinese community had helped other communities gain education.

Saturday 29 October 2016

Karim gesa tingkat kemahiran untuk tingkat daya saing

October 29, 2016

UNTUK KENANGAN - Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah bergambar dengan sebahagian daripada para peserta.
ASAJAYA: Keinginan yang tinggi untuk memperolehi dan memperhalusi kemahiran mampu membantu memberi pulangan ekonomi yang baik.

Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah menegaskan usaha kearah meningkatkan tahap kemahiran penting kerana ia boleh membantu menghasilkan daya saing yang tinggi.

Beliau berucap di Majlis Penyampaian Sijil Kursus Kemahiran Jangka Pendek dan Sijil Peserta Kelas Pendidikan Kemahiran PKEM KEMAS P.197 Kota Samarahan di SMK Hajjah Laila Taib di Kampung Tambirat pagi tadi.

Abdul Karim berkata ramai yang mempunyai kemahiran seperti kemahiran membuat anyaman tetapi tidak ramai yang mampu menghasilkan anyaman yang berkreatif dan dinilai sebagai kualiti tinggi.

Oleh sebab itu, ujar beliau, individu-individu yang mampu menghasilkan yang berkualiti tinggi ini dapat meletakkan harga yang tinggi untuk hasil kerja tangan mereka.

Sebahagian daripada para peserta.
Abdul Karim, yang juga merupakan ADUN Asajaya, berkata ada banyak kursus-kursus yang boleh diikuti untuk tujuan memperolehi atau mempertingkatkan kemahiran. 

Beliau juga menyambut baik saranan Ahli Parlimen Kota Samarahan Rubiah Wang agar diwujudkan satu mekanisme untuk membantu mempromosi perniagaan masyarakat Asajaya dan kawasan berdekatan.

Yusri’s dream to meet Barca star Neymar

October 29, 2016

Yusry (standing sixth right) receiving items, part of his sponsorship deal, from Abdul Karim (fourth, right). Also seen are Sim (fifth, left) and others.
KUCHING: Muhammad Yusry Haziq Idris hopes to one day meet his idols Neymar and Andres Iniesta after winning selection for the Million Dollar Feet (MDF) grassroots football programme recently.

Both Neymar and Andres Iniesta are currently with Spanish footballing giants Barcelona. According to the Limbang native, it was a dream-come-true to get the opportunity to travel to Europe and experience professional football there.

Preferably slotted as an attacking midfielder, Yusry also revealed that he is inspired by Safiq Rahim, seeing the Johor DT player as a role model. “Right now, the only thing on my mind now is the trip to Europe. I hope to impress anyone who watches me play while I am there,” he added.

Yusry, who is expected to travel to Europe in mid-November, was attending a sponsorship ceremony presided by Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at Baitulmakmur Building on Thursday.

There, he received sponsorship from a local sports retail outlet, Lea Sports Centre (LSC), whose managing director Raymond Sim Hee Pang said LSC has always believed in sponsoring bright Sarawakian youngsters who excel in sports.

“It is not restricted to football. So long as a Sarawakian youngster is outstanding in sports, we would do our part in helping the youngster. This was because we have always believed in young talents,” he said.

Abdul Karim congratulated Yusry for his achievement and hoped more Sarawakians will follow in his footsteps. Yusry, a student at SMK Tabuan Jaya here, has been chosen as one of the two promising youngsters in the country who participated in the inaugural MDF this year. About 10,000 young football enthusiasts, aged 11-14 years from nationwide auditioned in the programme where only the two best players were selected for an all-expenses paid trip to the United Kingdom (UK).

Happy Deepavali


Friday 28 October 2016

Host on a roll - inaugural AFC Solidarity Cup next


KUCHING: Sarawak will be hosting the AFC Solidarity Cup, an inaugural international football tournament, next month for seven footballing nations.

Organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) from Nov 2 to 15, the tournament sees countries like Brunei, Timor Leste, Laos, Macau, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Mongolia compete against each other for top honours.

According to Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Kuching was selected as host because the city has two international-class stadiums - the Stadium Negeri and Stadium Sarawak.

Matches will be played in the two stadiums and Stadium Sarawak will be used as venue for the final match of the tournament.

Apart from that, Kuching also has a strong football following among its populace, a strong factor why the city was chosen as host.

"Sarawakians should be proud for the recognition by the Asian body (AFC).

"I hope Sarawakians would continue to be passionate about football," he added during a press conference held at the Baitulmakmur Building yesterday.

Karim counting on major international wushu meet here



KUCHING: Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is hoping that the Wushu Federation of Sarawak (WFS) can organise an international competition in the state.

"The government would like to see the state wushu association bring in an international wushu championship," said Karim after receiving a courtesy call from the WFS delegation at his office at the Housing Development Commission at Wisma Sultan Tengah yesterday.

The delegation led by president Allen Wong included deputy president James Ting, vice president Bong Chong Jan, secretary Willianm Kong, treasurer TH Ting and committee member Jimmy Chong.

Also present was Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) coordinator for wushu Thomas Chia.

Karim, who is also Assistant Housing Minister, said the government is striving towards bringing in more international competitions in a move to not only maximise the use of the state's sports facilities after SUKMA XVIII but also for the development of sports here.

"We are bringing in the Malaysian badminton Masters to Sibu next January and we hope to also see wuhsu and other sports doing the same, " he said.

Karim also told the WFS officials that the state government will support the funding for organising international competitions.

Thursday 27 October 2016

Jom sertai Hari Belia 11-13 Nov


INI DIA ... Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah menunjukkan logo Sambutan Hari Belia 2016 Peringkat Negeri Sarawak pada sidang media di Bangunan Baitulmakmur.
KUCHING: Golongan belia di negeri ini dipelawa menghadiri acara Sambutan Hari Belia 2016 Peringkat Negeri Sarawak yang akan diadakan di Kompleks Sukan Negeri, Petra Jaya daripada 11 hingga 13 November depan.

Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah berkata pihaknya menyasarkan seramai 10,000 belia berusia 15 sehingga 40 tahun akan menghadiri acara tersebut terdiri daripada pelajar sekolah menengah, pelajar institusi pengajian tinggi, ahli persatuan belia dan badan beruniform, pekerja sektor awam dan swasta.

"Acara ini akan menyediakan peluang kepada belia terbabit mempersembahkan kreativiti dan kepelbagaian bakat mereka dalam pelbagai bidang seperti keusahawanan dan patriotisme. 

"Ia juga akan membawa belia lebih dekat dengan kerajaan dengan memahami dan menyertai aktiviti anjuran kerajaan," katanya ketika mengadakan sidang media di Bangunan Baitulmakmur, Petra Jaya disini semalam.

Abdul Karim berkata sebanyak 71 gerai akan disediakan kepada syarikat yang berminat menyertai acara itu - malahan satu pusat sehenti akan juga disediakan bagi syarikat dan majikan yang mencari pekerja serta maklumbalas dasripada orang ramai.

"Antara kemuncak acara selama tiga hari terbabit ialah pemberian Anugerah Belia Ikon, pemeran kerjaya belia, dapur belia, persembahan bakat belia, di samping gerai jualan, senaman zumba dan aerobik dan pelbagai lagi," katanya.

Tuesday 25 October 2016

More ‘ayes’ to making S’wak equal partner in Federation

October 25, 2016


Senior leaders of Sarawak BN parties back Chief Minister Adenan Satem's motion on Article 1(2) to be moved at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly.

KUCHING: Two Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders see the proposed motion in the Sarawak Assembly on Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution as a timely move.

“Malaysia was formed based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and related constitutional documents. All parties must respect these documents,” said a PBB Supreme Council Member Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He argued it would be wrong to take the position that constitutional documents on Malaysia were no longer relevant with the Federal Constitution in place, Free Malaysia Today reported - quoting The Borneo Post report.

The bottom line, he said, was that many of Sarawak’s rights (as those of Sabah) had been eroded over the years.

“This has to be corrected,” summed up Karim. “The proposed motion is the first step,” he was quoted as saying.

Two earlier motions, on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and oil and gas, were passed unanimously.

Sabah and Sarawak, before the amendment, were equal partners of Malaya in the Federation of Malaysia.

Karim sokong bentang usul tuntutan hak Sarawak


KUCHING: Pemimpin Barisan Nasional (BN) Negeri menyokong penuh cadangan Ketua Menteri Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem untuk membentangkan usul berhubung tuntutan semula hak Sarawak pada Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) bulan depan.

Sokongan tersebut dinyatakan oleh Ahli Majlis Tertinggi PBB Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman hamzah yang juga Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan dan Menteri Muda Perumahan serta ADUN Asajaya.

Menurut Karim, Malaysia ditubuhkan berlandaskan perjanjian-perjanjian dan laporan dan semua pihak perlu menghormati perjanjian awal ini.

"Meskipun kita kini sudah ada Perlembagaan Malaysia tetapi ia tidak bermaksud semua dokumen yang ditandatangani untuk penubuhan Malaysia adalah tidak penting dan tidak relevan seperti yang disuarakan oleh seorang profesor baru-baru ini.

"Itu adalah satu pandangan yang salah dan kemungkinan profesor tersebut perlu menyemak balik sejarah dan bahan rujukan beliau agar dapat faham apa sebenarnya yang diniatkan oleh pemimpin kita ketika menandatangani MA63 pada masa itu," katanya ketika dihubungi semalam.

Tambah Karim, banyak hak Sarawak terhakis dari tahun ke tahun dan perkara ini perlu diperbetulkan.

Sebab itu, Ketua Menteri mahu membentangkan usul ini pada Persidangan DUN bulan depan sebelum dikemukan kepada kerajaan pusat, katanya lagi.

Kejayaan terbukti


BANGGA: Abdul Karim bercakap kepada media selepas merasmikan penutupan Kejohanan Terjun Siri Grand Prix Dunia Persekutuan Renang Antarabangsa (FINA) di Kuching kelmarin.
Lebih banyak kejohanan sukan taraf antarabangsa akan dianjurkan di negeri ini, tegas Abdul Karim

KUCHING: Kerajaan Negeri akan terus berusaha membawa masuk lebih banyak kejohanan bertaraf antarabangsa untuk dianjurkan di Sarawak, kata Menteri Muda Belia dan Sukan Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

Menurutnya, penganjuran Kejohanan Terjun Siri Grand Prix Dunia Persekutuan Renang Antarabangsa (FINA) berakhir kelmarin membuktikan kejayaan Sarawak dalam bekerjasama melaksanakan kejohanan bertaraf dunia.

"Kita berjaya menamatkan saingan kejohanan terjun FINA dengan kerjasama Persatuan Renang Amatur Malaysia (ASUM) dan Persatuan Renang Amatur Sarawak (ASAS)," katanya pada majlis penutupan kejohanan itu di sini kelmarin.

Justeru itu, Abdul Karim berharap kejohanan serupa dapat diadakan semula di Sarawak.

Mengulas berhubung peruntukkan RM1.2 billion untuk sukan dalam pembentangan Bajet 2017, beliau berkata ia akan digunakan untuk menganjurkan Sukan SEA dan Sukan Para Asean Ke-9 serta tujuan promosi sukan.

Katanya, lebih RM400 juta telah diperuntukkan untuk tujuan itu dan beliau akan memastikan ia turut disalurkan kepada Sarawak.

"Kita akan sentiasa berusaha untuk menarik kemasukkan penganjuran sukan antarabangsa di negeri ini," katanya.